CARROLL ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION’S
From Carroll County to Capitol Hill: Carroll EMC Sends Students to Washington, D.C.
Carroll EMC is sending three standout students to Washington, D.C., this summer as part of the Washington Youth Tour (WYT). Blythe Browning and Will Mobley from Carrollton High School and Abigail Derisse from Villa Rica High School will represent the cooperative on the all-expenses-paid, weeklong trip to our nation’s capital.
The WYT brings together high school students from across the country for an immersive leadership and civic education experience. Since 1965, the program has provided students with an up-close look at the nation’s government while encouraging leadership development and civic responsibility. During the seven-day trip, delegates will tour iconic landmarks, including George Washington's Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, Library of Congress, National Archives and Lincoln Memorial. Students will also have an opportunity to meet with some of Georgia’s elected officials and learn firsthand how government works at the national level.
“The WYT is one of the most impactful programs we offer students,” says Ryan Sammon, Carroll EMC’s Community Relations Specialist and Washington Youth Tour Coordinator. “It opens their eyes to leadership and service, all while creating memories they’ll carry with them for a lifetime.”
The program is coordinated nationally by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association in partnership with statewide electric cooperative associations like Georgia EMC. Each year, participating electric cooperatives accept applications and select delegates through a competitive process that considers academic performance, community involvement and leadership potential. After interviews and careful review, Carroll EMC selected Browning, Mobley and Derisse as this year’s delegates. The group will embark on the tour June 12-19.
South Paulding Senior Scholarship Semifinalist
Graduating senior Alexas Foster from South Paulding High School has been selected to represent Carroll EMC as a semifinalist for the Walter Harrison Scholarship, a competitive statewide program administered by Georgia EMC. This year, 19 scholarships valued at $1,000 each will be awarded to outstanding students across Georgia.
The Walter Harrison Scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, meaningful community involvement and financial need. The program is open to students who are beginning or continuing their education at any twoor four-year college, university or technical institute in Georgia. Eligible applicants must be accepted or currently enrolled in an undergraduate program and apply through their local electric cooperative.
Each participating electric cooperative selects one or more semifinalists, whose applications are then forwarded to Georgia EMC. Final scholarship recipients are chosen by the Walter Harrison Scholarship Executive Committee.
“Alexas represents a heart for service and dedication to others that this scholarship was created to honor,” says Rolando Benitez, Member Advocate and Community Relations Representative for Carroll EMC. “We’re proud to have her represent Carroll EMC and look forward to seeing the impact she will continue to make.”
Foster was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy as an infant and has used a wheelchair since early childhood. Throughout her life, she has demonstrated resilience, determination and a strong commitment to personal growth. Despite the challenges she has faced, Foster has excelled academically and socially, earning the Spartan Award her junior year.
She is actively involved in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including Distributive Education Clubs of America, National Beta Club, SkillsUSA, Sources of Strength and the National Honor Society. Foster plans to attend Kennesaw State University, where she hopes to pursue a degree in psychology. Her goal is to support young adults by helping them find their voice, confidence and strength.
"I have dreamt of going to college for as long as I can remember,” says Foster. “Although my career aspirations have changed over the years, my desire to help people has always been constant. Recently, I discovered my passion for psychology, and it feels like my true calling.”
Check these monthly to keep your home and family safe.
Kitchen
• Clean refrigerator coils and allow space for airflow.
• Store and use appliances away from the sink.
• Use and test GFCI outlets.
• Inspect cords for cracks or frays.
• Keep cords off counters; unplug when not in use.
Bedroom
• Place and test smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors on every level and near sleeping areas.
• Keep cords out from under rugs or furniture.
• Unplug devices and chargers when not in use.
• Make sure lightbulbs are the correct wattage.
• Plug window A/C units into a dedicated circuit.
Basement
• Ensure washer and dryer are stable and ventilated. Remove dryer lint after each use.
• Set water heater to 120 degrees or lower.
• Have furnace inspected and confirm proper ventilation.
Bathroom
• Keep appliances away from water (sink, toilet, tub, shower).
• Unplug appliances when not in use.
• Use and test GFCI outlets.
Living Room
• Use safety caps on unused outlets, especially if children or pets are present.
• Ensure electronics have space for airflow.
• Replace cracked light switch or outlet covers.
• Avoid overloading outlets, power strips and surge protectors.
Garage
• Use and test GFCI outlets.
• Inspect cords for cracks or damage.
• Unplug tools and appliances when not in use.
• Place garage refrigerators/freezers on dedicated appliance circuits.
FFA Day at Carroll EMC
Carroll EMC welcomed nearly 350 middle and high school agriculture students from Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding and Troup counties to its office on March 4 for its annual FFA Day, an educational event designed to expose students to the many career paths rooted in agriculture and skilled trades.
Throughout the morning, students rotated through a series of 20-minute, hands-on learning sessions led by industry professionals. Presentations included cattle production with the Carroll County Cattlemen’s Association, fisheries management with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and welding demonstrations with Carroll EMC’s vehicle shop.
Students also explored small-scale agriculture and selfsufficiency during a homesteading session with Triple F Homestead, where live rabbits were brought on-site to discuss animal care and sustainable food practices. Additional sessions focused on agricultural education and career pathways through the University of Georgia Griffin Campus and its College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, along with a lineman panel highlighting opportunities within the electric utility industry.
TIP OF THE MONTH
As temperatures start to rise, many homeowners focus on staying cool. Don’t forget about the small gaps around windows and doors. While air sealing is often associated with keeping cold air out during winter, it’s just as important during summer. Tiny cracks and worn weatherstripping allow cool, conditioned air to escape and hot, humid air to seep indoors. This forces your air conditioner to work harder than necessary and increases energy costs. Take a few minutes to check for drafts, replace weatherstripping and seal leaks. A tighter home keeps you more comfortable and helps manage energy use.
155 N. Hwy 113
Carrollton, GA 30117
member.services@carrollemc.com
carrollemc.com (770) 832-3552
PRESIDENT/CEO
Tim Martin
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alvin Ginn, Chairman
Donnie Brannon, Vice Chairman
Ronnie Jordan, Secretary/Treasurer
Don DeFoor
Eddie Gore
Nan Philpot
Lynn Joyner
Emmett Harrod
Delores Goldin
PRODUCED BY CARROLL EMC'S COMMUNICATIONS TEAM
OFFICE HOURS
Carrollton
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Buchanan
Monday and Tuesday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
24-HOUR OUTAGE LINE
To report a power outage, call (770) 832-3552, option 1.
Remember: If you have multiple accounts, you will need to enter your account number for that location.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Check to See if You Have Unclaimed Money!
Every year, Carroll EMC returns excess operating revenue back to its Members in the form of capital credits. That’s part of what being a not-for-profit electric cooperative is all about–Carroll EMC is owned by the Members it serves. Once you become a Member of the cooperative and pay the $15 membership fee, you also become part-owner. Capital credits represent each Member-owner’s share of Carroll EMC’s margins, or operating revenue remaining after operating expenses.
Carroll EMC’s Board of Directors announces the retirement of funds from a specific set of years, and the amount a Member receives is calculated based on their use of electricity for those years. Eligible Members will receive their check after the Board of Directors have finalized financial conditions. Members receive their capital credits as a check in the mail that can be cashed, deposited or applied as a credit to their electric account.
Unclaimed capital credits are simply those checks that have not been claimed by Members. Carroll EMC is currently trying to locate former Members whose 2020 capital credits checks were issued but were returned undeliverable or have otherwise been unclaimed. Be sure to check the lists at carrollemc.com/capitalcredits to see if you’re eligible to receive a patronage capital allocation. To claim a refund, contact Carroll EMC at (770) 832-3552.
The last possible date to claim these funds is September 10, 2026.
Carroll EMC offices will close Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. Please use the PaySite kiosks, mobile app, text-to-pay, website or automated phone payment system to make a payment during this time.
Carroll EMC has personnel on standby 24/7, year-round. Even on holidays, Carroll EMC is prepared for storms and outages.
