March 11, 2008
Media Contact: Anna Wright

JACKSON-Clarke-Washington EMC sponsored local high school students to attend the 2008 Alabama Rural Electric Association’s, Montgomery Youth Tour. The trip was Tuesday through Thursday, March 4-6 and was an opportunity to tour historical sites of Montgomery, learn about leadership, meet other students representing rural electric cooperatives in Alabama, and be informed on the importance of state law making.

Clarke-Washington EMC sponsored four seniors from local schools to participate in this experience: Tyler Chastain and Jessica Givens of Leroy High School, Jordan Englert of Jackson High School, and Katie Simon of Thomasville High School.

About 150 students and chaperones from rural electric cooperatives around Alabama met in Montgomery for the three day tour of the Alabama Capitol in Montgomery. 

Students toured the Alabama Supreme Court Justice Building, the highest court in Alabama, and visited with Harold F. See, Jr., associate justice.  They also toured the Rosa Parks Museum, the Alabama Capitol, the Alabama Department of Archives and History, and walked on the Senate floor in the Alabama State House.

Cea Cohen Elliot, a motivational speaker from Ohio, challenged students to “stretch themselves” and reach past their potential to become the best that they can be and stressed to them the importance of getting their education. 

Alabama Sen. Scott Beason of Jefferson County and Alabama Rep. James Fields of Cullman County informed the students on the workings of the Alabama Legislature and encouraged them to be informed on lawmaking on the state and federal level.

The Alabama Rural Electric Association legislative luncheon was held on Thursday afternoon.  There, Tyler, Katie, Jessica and Jordan met Alabama Rep. Marc Keahey and Alabama Sen. Pat Lindsay and visited with Clarke-Washington EMC Manager Stan Wilson and Board of Trustee President, Jack Bailey of Wagarville. 

Giving local students an opportunity to learn and by encouraging them in leadership and community involvement, the Montgomery Youth Tour is just one way Clarke-Washington EMC invests in the lives of our local students.