Christian Hernandez, a student at Dougherty Comprehensive High School, and Aiden Peavy, a student at Baconton Community Charter School, have been selected to represent Mitchell EMC on the 2026 Washington Youth Tour—an all-expenses-paid leadership and civic engagement experience sponsored by Georgia’s electric membership corporations (EMCs).
Since 1965, the Washington Youth Tour has provided promising high school leaders with an up-close look at the nation’s government, history and public service while fostering connections with students from across Georgia and the United States.
The 2026 tour is scheduled for June 12—19 and will include approximately 115 student delegates from Georgia. Participants will gather in Atlanta before traveling to Washington, D.C., where they will explore the federal government firsthand. While in the nation’s capital, delegates will meet with elected officials to discuss issues important to their local communities and visit historic sites such as the U.S. Capitol, Smithsonian museums, the U.S. Supreme Court, and Arlington National Cemetery.
In addition to learning about U.S. government and history, students will participate in leadership development and team-building activities designed to help them build confidence, communication skills and a deeper understanding of their own leadership potential.
According to Heather Greene, Member and Public Relations Coordinator with Mitchell EMC, the Washington Youth Tour is designed to inspire and prepare the next generation of leaders.
“Investing in students today is an investment in the future of our communities,” said Greene. “The Washington Youth Tour is more than a trip to the nation’s capital. It’s an opportunity for students to see themselves as leaders, to engage with real-world issues, and to return home inspired to serve.”
Hernandez and Peavy were selected through a competitive application process.
Students are nominated by guidance counselors at each school in our service territory. Nominees then complete an application and write an autobiography, and must submit two reference letters, SAT scores and high school transcripts. Each student is interviewed by a three-member panel of community judges and representatives from other EMCs, who select the strongest candidates.