Sumter Electric Membership Corporation (SEMC) has selected one local high school student to represent SEMC on the 2022 Washington Youth Tour, which involves a week-long trip to Washington, D.C., to learn more about our nation’s capital.

Cole Reynolds, a junior at Lee County High School, was recently selected to participate in the all-expenses-paid leadership experience by electric membership corporations in Georgia, including Sumter EMC. Cole is the son of Sumter EMC members Mike and Burnice Reynolds. His biggest passion is singing and acting. Cole is a member of the Lee County High School Drama/Chorus. Cole plans to attend Columbus State University upon graduation and majoring in musical theater and minoring in political science. Cole shared one of the many reasons he is excited about attending the Washington Youth Tour is to see the monuments in person that he has learned about in history class.

Every year, Sumter EMC recognizes outstanding high school students who are leaders in their schools, communities, places of worship, or academic and community organizations by providing a valuable leadership development program for exceptional teens through the Washington Youth Tour, established by America’s electric cooperatives to inspire and educate our youth.

In 2021, due to uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, SEMC offered a virtual Youth Tour in June, but the program returns to its original format this year in June and delegates will experience an in-person Washington Youth Tour. The trip is scheduled for June 17-23.

During the seven-day trip, Cole will visit some of the most exciting tourist spots, including Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial, the Smithsonian Institution, Mount Vernon and more, all while being exposed to government on a local and national level. 

“We’re excited for Cole to represent Sumter EMC on the upcoming in-person 2022 Washington Youth Tour,” Andrea Walker, VP of Marketing and Administration, said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity that will allow Cole to network with fellow peers from across the state, explore our nation’s educational museums and monuments, and enhance his knowledge of our government,” said Walker.