Courtesy of Carroll EMC, Brittany Shadix

Carrollton, GA—Two lucky high school students are heading out of state this summer for an all-expenses-paid, weeklong trip to Washington, D.C., sponsored by Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC). Sandra Rivera of Central High School and Carson Pullen of Carrollton High School were selected to represent the co-op during the Washington Youth Tour (WYT).  

For more than 60 years, the streets of Washington, D.C., have been filled with eager juniors and seniors from across the country during the month of June as they experience what the capital city has to offer. During the seven-day trip, delegates spend sunup to sundown touring landmarks like Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, Library of Congress, National Archives, Lincoln Memorial and so many more. They are also given the opportunity to meet with Georgia’s congressional delegation and state senators. 

“I have attended the WYT as a delegate and a chaperone, and let me know tell you, it never gets old,” said Ryan Sammon, Carroll EMC’s Community Relations Specialist and WYT coordinator. “The energy is contagious, and it stays with you forever.” 

Each year, the trip is coordinated between the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and electric cooperative statewide associations. Participating EMCs accept applications and select their delegate(s) from the pool of applicants. After conducting a panel interview, Carroll EMC selected Rivera and Pullen as the top candidates based on academics, community involvement and good fit.  

Since Carroll EMC is only able to sponsor two students for the WYT, the co-op invites its other impressive applicants to the Georgia Co-op Council Leadership Conference in Covington, GA. The five-day conference is designed to enhance participants’ leadership skills and teamwork abilities through a series of exercises, training sessions and presentations. This year, Carroll EMC is sending Brady Otwell, rising junior at Mt. Zion High School. 

“Students have nothing to lose but so much to gain if they apply,” said Sammon. 

Applications for next year’s WYT will be available online at carrollemc.com/wyt beginning November 1, 2025. 

Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 56,000 homes and businesses. The co-op serves Members in Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk, Floyd and Troup counties. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. For more information visit the cooperative’s website at carrollemc.com or follow Carroll EMC on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube. Carroll EMC: Community Built. Community Builder.

CHS junior Carson Pullen celebrating his selection to attend the Washington Youth Tour (WYT), an all-expenses-paid, weeklong trip to Washington D.C. sponsored by Carroll EMC. Pictured from left are CHS Assistant Principal Ashleigh Paulk, Carroll EMC Member Services Supervisor Carolyn Smith, Carroll EMC Accounting representative Karen Ewing, Carson Pullen, Carroll EMC Community Relations student Rory Delandero, Carroll EMC Community Relations Specialist Ryan Sammon and CHS Principal Ian Lyle.