Our 2026 Washington Youth Tour Delegates
Canoochee EMC is proud to announce the 2026 Washington Youth Tour Delegates: Jenna Yarbrough from Tattnall County High School, Miya Herrington from Claxton High School, Emmy Christensen of Bryan County High School and Kinley Sebasovich from First Preparatory Christian Academy.
These outstanding students have been selected to represent Canoochee EMC on the 2026 Washington Youth Tour, an all-expenses-paid leadership and civic engagement experience sponsored by Georgia’s electric membership corporations (EMCs).
Since 1965, the Washington Youth Tour has provided promising high school leaders with an up close look at the nation’s government, history and public service, while also fostering connections with students from across Georgia and the United States.
The 2026 tour is scheduled for June 12-19 and will include approximately 115 student delegates from Georgia. Participants will gather in Atlanta before traveling to Washington, D.C., where they will explore federal government firsthand. While in
Investing in students today is an investment in the future of our communities.
–Joe Sikes, Canoochee EMC Communications Specialist
to help them build confidence, communication skills and a deeper understanding of their own leadership potential.
According to Canoochee EMC Communications Specialist Joe Sikes, the Washington Youth Tour is designed to inspire and prepare the next generation of leaders.
“Investing in students today is an investment in the future of our communities,” Sikes says. “The Washington Youth Tour is more than a trip to the nation’s capital; it’s an opportunity for students to see themselves as leaders, to engage with real-world issues and to return home inspired to serve.”
the nation’s capital, delegates will meet with elected officials to discuss issues important to their local communities and visit historic sites like the U.S. Capitol, Smithsonian Institution, U.S. Supreme Court Building and Arlington National Cemetery.
In addition to learning about U.S. government and history, students will participate in leadership development and teambuilding activities designed
These students were selected through a competitive application process. A student advanced to the interview level of the Washington Youth Tour selection process by writing an essay on one of three topics, including what leadership means and how the trip would help them grow as a leader; how electric vehicles are changing transportation and how they may impact the
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Jenna Yarbrough Miya Herrington
Emmy Christensen Kinley Sebasovich
Cooperatives Help Cooperatives
n January, we were fortunate to miss the worst of the winter storm that swept through the southern and northeastern regions of the United States. Unfortunately, our friends up north weren’t as lucky.
We were proud to answer the call and aid Habersham EMC in north Georgia during their time of need. Canoochee EMC’s crew supported restoration efforts by assisting with tree clearing, helping crews safely access lines and restore power to impacted communities as quickly as possible.
Moments like these highlight the true strength of cooperation. Electric cooperatives are built on relationships, mutual support and a shared commitment to the communities we serve.
When one co-op faces challenges, others step in without hesitation. This spirit of teamwork and collaboration ensures that—no matter the circumstances—our members can count on us.
From left, Brandon Meeks, Scott Taylor and Travis Burkhalter of Canoochee EMC.
Spring Into Savings
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pring is a season of renewal— and a great time to refresh your energy habits, too! As temperatures begin to warm and daily routines shift, a few small changes around your home can add up to meaningful energy savings.
Canoochee EMC is committed to helping our members use energy wisely while keeping homes comfortable year-round.
Spring is the perfect time to schedule maintenance for your heating and cooling system. Spring and fall checkups conducted by a licensed professional can help ensure your system is running efficiently, safely and reliably before the peak seasons begin. A wellmaintained unit uses less energy, lasts longer and helps prevent costly breakdowns when you need it most.
If you’re looking for a simple place to start saving, look no further than ceiling fans. Fans don’t actually cool or heat the air, but they help you feel more comfortable by moving it. During warmer months, make sure your ceiling fan blades are set to rotate counterclockwise. This creates a downward breeze that makes you feel cooler, allowing you to raise your thermostat a few degrees without sacrificing comfort. In cooler months, reverse the direction of fan blades clockwise to help push warm air down from the ceiling, improving efficiency when your heating system is running.
Speaking of thermostats, adjusting the temperature just a few degrees can make a noticeable difference on your energy bill. As spring arrives, try setting your thermostat slightly higher when
cooling or slightly lower when heating. Even a 2- or 3-degree adjustment can reduce energy use while still keeping your home comfortable—especially when combined with ceiling fans or open windows on mild, pleasant days.
Hot water use is another area where simple habits matter. Taking shorter showers can help reduce the amount of energy used to heat water, which makes up a significant portion of most energy bills. Cutting just a few minutes off each shower not only saves energy but also conserves water.
Canoochee EMC is here to help every season, every step of the way.
Washington Youth Tour Delegates,
future; or how President Franklin D. Roosevelt influenced rural electrification and electric cooperatives. From the interviews, Canoochee EMC was pleased to select four bright students to represent Canoochee EMC and their schools.
EMC leaders and former student delegates agree the Washington Youth Tour has become an invaluable program that leaves a lasting impact on
participants. A recent delegate shared, “The Washington Youth Tour gave me more than memories; it gave me purpose, perspective and a passion to lead with heart.”
Since its inception, the Washington Youth Tour has provided more than 3,000 students from Georgia and
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50,000-plus students nationwide with a memorable and life-changing experience. The program was originally inspired by former President Lyndon B. Johnson, who envisioned giving young people the opportunity to visit the nation’s capital and experience firsthand what it represents.
The Transformer
Official Publication of Canoochee EMC
P.O. Box 487
Reidsville, GA 30453
(800) 342-0134
Joseph A. Sikes, Editor
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Connie Thrift District 3
President
Bob Floyd District 4
Vice President
Kim Blocker ..................... District 9
Treasurer
LaNell M. Oliver District 6
Secretary
Ed Bradley Jr. District 5
Robert Dasher District 8
Kenneth L. Durrence District 7
Lavanda Lynn District 2
Bernard Purvis District 1
Michael Wasson, Chief Executive Officer
Andy Whiten, Chief Operations Officer
Mat Olson, Chief Financial Officer
Patrick Burkhalter, Chief Administration Officer
Kyle E. Durrence, Member Services Manager
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR POWER IS OFF . . .
1. Check your fuses or breakers.
2. Check with your neighbors.
3. Call (800) 342-0134 or (912) 557-4391. There is a dispatcher on call 24 hours a day for your convenience.
OFFICE HOURS
Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Saturday, Sunday and holidays
Branch offices
Highway 196 West Hinesville, GA 31313
Highway 280 East Pembroke, GA 31321
Canoochee EMC Pours Into Future Leaders
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anoochee EMC was proud to participate in Tattnall County High School Career Day 2026, where we had the opportunity to share information about our industry, career paths and daily responsibilities with students.
We discussed the skills and education needed to succeed, as well as the importance of teamwork and communication in the workplace.
We were honored to help inspire the next generation as they begin exploring future career opportunities!
As we prepare for the seasonal shift, remember to set your ceiling fan rotation accordingly. In winter months (or whenever your home heating system is running), fan blades should rotate clockwise, which produces an updraft that pushes warm air down. In summer months (or whenever your home cooling system is running), blades should rotate counterclockwise, which produces a downdraft or windchill effect that makes you feel cooler. When used correctly, ceiling fans can boost comfort and allow you to adjust the thermostat a few degrees for energy savings.
Source: energy.gov
Touchstone Energy Senior Citizen of the Month
Congratulations to Charles Hodges of Lyons for being selected as the April 2026 Touchstone Energy Senior Citizen of the Month.
Communications Specialist Joe Sikes (left, standing) and Lineman
Cody Dotson (right, standing) of Canoochee EMC.