GAC Junior Luke Winter has been selected for the Washington Youth Tour. This annual program brings high school students across the United States to the nation's capital for an immersive educational experience. Luke applied to serve as a Washington Youth Tour delegate representing Jackson Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) and was recently interviewed and selected.

As a delegate, Luke will have the opportunity to meet with elected officials, learn about American history and the inner workings of the federal government, and participate in various educational and cultural activities. 

Luke's selection for the program was announced in a surprise ceremony at GAC's College Counseling Office on Thursday, Feb. 23, where a representative from Jackson EMC presented him with the news. 

To apply for the Washington Youth Tour, Luke had to write two essays and obtain two recommendation letters. His dedication to academics, school activities, community service, and passion for political science and criminal justice made him a standout candidate. 

Luke is a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club. He competes on both the Varsity Football and Varsity Baseball teams. He is active in the community through the "Share Table Initiative," which he founded to fight food insecurity, and his volunteer work with "Bears Make a Difference," a recreational baseball league for children with disabilities.   

In total, Jackson EMC selected four delegates for the program. 115 student delegates from the state of Georgia will join approximately 1,200 other students from across the nation chosen by the nation’s electric cooperatives. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) organizes the tour.

The Washington Youth Tour is a life-changing experience for many students, and Luke will benefit significantly from his participation. He will have the opportunity to network with other young leaders from around the country, gain a deeper understanding of the political process, and develop skills that will serve him well in his future academic and career pursuits.

A testament to Luke's academic achievements and leadership potential, being selected for the Washington Youth Tour is a tremendous honor, and we congratulate him on this achievement. We wish him all the best as he embarks on this exciting journey and look forward to hearing about his experiences when he returns.