Amicalola EMC is pleased to announce that 142 high school seniors from across the cooperative’s service area were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship. The scholarship presentation took place at the Youth Awards Banquet on March 17, held at Chattahoochee Technical College in Jasper. These scholarships are granted based primarily on academic performance, SAT/ACT scores, and financial need.
In addition to the scholarships, four outstanding students were selected as delegates for the 2026 Washington Youth Tour, an all-expense-paid leadership trip sponsored by Georgia’s electric membership cooperatives, including Amicalola EMC.
Caleigh Hoffard (Pickens County), Jack Swafford (Dawson County), Zander Shute (Gilmer County), and Adleigh Wingate (Gilmer County) were chosen through a competitive application process, which included submitting an essay and participating in an in-person interview with the Amicalola EMC selection committee. Along with the Washington Youth Tour experience, each delegate will also receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Since its inception in 1965, the Washington Youth Tour has empowered high school students by providing them with the chance to develop their leadership skills. This year’s tour, which will take place June 12-19, 2026, offers delegates the opportunity to meet policymakers, explore historic landmarks and engage in leadership activities while making lasting connections with peers from across Georgia and the nation.
Todd Payne, President and CEO of Amicalola EMC, emphasized the Youth Tour’s role in building tomorrow’s leaders. “Supporting our youth and developing the next generation of leadership is vital to the strength of our communities and our country,” Payne said. “This program allows us to demonstrate to students that they belong to a committed group prepared to step up, lead, and serve.”
To see a list of all scholarship winners please click here
All scholarships are funded in accordance with O.C.G.A. §44-12-236.
Amicalola EMC is a member-owned cooperative providing electricity and related services to over 57,000 locations in portions of Bartow, Cherokee, Dawson, Fannin, Forsyth, Gilmer, Gordon, Lumpkin, Murray and Pickens counties.