As they return to school this fall, three local students have a unique story to share. After spending a week in the nation’s capital through the Washington Youth Tour (WYT), Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC) delegates Blythe Browning, Abigail Derisse and Will Mobley returned home with new leadership skills, lasting friendships and a deeper understanding of how they can make a difference in their communities.
From June 12-19, the delegates joined more than 1,700 high school students from across the country for the weeklong leadership experience in Washington, D.C. Sponsored by electric cooperatives nationwide, the WYT gives students the opportunity to explore American history firsthand while learning about civic engagement, public service and leadership.
The 2026 Georgia delegation included 115 student delegates, 14 chaperones, two tour directors and one photographer. The experience began with a banquet in Atlanta honoring delegates and their families before the group traveled to Washington.
While in the nation’s capital, delegates visited the U.S. Capitol, Smithsonian museums, National Archives, the U.S. Supreme Court, Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon, the Holocaust Museum and numerous monuments and memorials. Students also met with legislative staff from their congressional districts and attended National Youth Day, hosted by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, where Olympic gold medalist and author Mike Schlappi shared his message of resilience and determination.
For Mobley, one of the most valuable takeaways from the trip was the opportunity to connect with other students while gaining perspective of how the nation’s capital operates.
“The WYT helped me gain networking skills and gave me behind-the-scenes knowledge of Washington, D.C.,” said Mobley. “I made lifelong friends and connections that I know will stay with me for years to come.”
Beyond the historic landmarks and educational opportunities, delegates participated in leadership development and team-building activities designed to strengthen communication skills and encourage personal growth. Browning said those experiences, combined with learning more about the nation’s history and government, made a lasting impact.
“It was so fun and upbeat,” said Browning. “I met new people, tried new things and learned more about our nation. The experience inspired me and showed me new possibilities for my future and the ways I can serve others.”
The lessons extended beyond leadership and civic engagement. Derisse said the experience helped her step outside her comfort zone and discover newfound confidence while building friendships with students from across the state and country.
“I’ll never forget this experience,” said Derisse. “It showed me that getting out of my shell isn’t as hard as I thought, and it helped me make a lot of new friends along the way. It also helped me become more open to different ideas and perspectives, even when they may not be the same as my own.”
Since its inception, the WYT has inspired nearly 100,000 students nationwide. Many alumni have gone on to become leaders in business, government and other fields while continuing to make a difference in their communities.
Ryan Sammon knows the impact of the WYT firsthand. A former delegate who now serves as Carroll EMC’s WYT coordinator and frequent chaperone, Sammon said the program continues to leave a lasting impression on both himself and students year after year.
“I’ve been fortunate to participate in several tours over the years, and it just keeps getting better,” said Sammon. “The friendships these students form in just one week are incredible. The tears at the end of the trip are proof of that.”
Applications for next year’s WYT will open Nov. 1. High school students must be at least 16 years old by the trip departure date to be eligible. More information about the program and application process is available at carrollemc.com/wyt.
Author: Brittany Shadix
