This summer, Matthew Davis from Smith County High School and Adam Goolsby from Gordonsville High School attended the Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation’s 2018 Washington Youth Tour.
Davis and Goolsby were two of five students selected from the Upper Cumberland membership district to attend the Washington Youth Tour. A total of 135 students from across the state of Tennessee participated in the week-long program in Washington D.C.
Davis and Goolsby were selected to attend based on an essay they each wrote on the theme of “Electric Cooperatives — Going Beyond the Wires.”
While in Washington, Davis and Goolsby, along with the other Youth Tour delegates, had the opportunity to visit historical and cultural sites throughout the city, such as the White House, the Smithsonian Institution, and Arlington National Cemetery.
Delegates also personally met with U.S. Representative Diane Black, were welcomed by U.S. Senators Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander, and had the opportunity to listen to a Holocaust survivor give a presentation.
The aim of UCEMC’s Washington Youth Tour program is to foster leadership skills in its young delegates, as well as a deeper understanding of government and history.
Smith County Insider reached out to the two Smith County delegates to learn more about their experiences in Washington.
Adam Goolsby had this to say: “The Washington Youth Tour was a great experience for me! My favorite part of the trip was meeting new people around our state and around our country. I still keep in touch with many of them today. I learned that no matter who you are, you can make an impact in your community! To the upcoming juniors: If you have the opportunity to write the essay, take it! It is one of the best trips you will ever go on.”
Matthew Davis had equally positive comments about his experience: “I loved the Washington Youth Tour! I wrote my 900 word essay and I had no idea I would win. I had always wanted to go to D.C., and Upper Cumberland made it possible. I met so many great people and made so many wonderful friends and lasting memories. Some of the highlights of my trip include: visiting all the monuments, watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, standing on the steps of the Capitol, and visiting different historical homes, such as Monticello and Mount Vernon. I learned a lot on the trip, including facts about Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, our wonderful Marine Corps, and our government. Most of all, this trip taught me to never be afraid to take a chance, because you never know what might become of it.”
Pick up a copy of the September 2018 UCEMC edition of Tennessee Magazine to read more about the 2018 Washington Youth Tour. This month’s cover features a picture of Davis and Goolsby in front of the United States Capitol Building.
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