The electric cooperatives in Georgia, including Grady EMC, made it possible for three area high school students to experience a week-long leadership training in Washington D.C. in June.

Those attending from Southwest Georgia were, Ally Hollingsworth of Cairo High, Viraj Patel of Thomas County Central High and James Clemons from Bainbridge High School.

The three were among the 106 students from Georgia and approximately 1,600 nationally, who took the Washington Youth Tour to learn leadership skills, understand the importance of civic involvement and tour the nation’s historic sites.

“The students come away with a new appreciation for the history of the country they live in, an interest in government and their elected representatives, and a  new sense of responsibility when they realize how many people sacrificed for us so we could all live in a free society,” said Donnie Prince with Grady EMC.

Hollingsworth said she plans to attend college and enter the field of broadcast journalism. Patel plans to gain an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy and major in aerospace engineering. Clemons also plans to attend college and obtain a degree in bio-molecular engineering with an emphasis on agriculture.