Jackson EMC's Youth Citizenship Award recognizes a student whose dedication improves the community through volunteerism.

Student volunteers give valuable time to make the lives of others better, and though volunteering often goes unnoticed, there is no more satisfying way to spend one's time. It is important for all citizens to recognize our community volunteers, thank them and learn from them.

The winner of this prestigious award is one of Jackson EMC's two delegates to the Washington Youth Tour, an event that provides more than 1,500 students from across the United States with the experience of a lifetime.

Along with an all-expense paid trip to our nation's capital, the winning student receives a $2,000 scholarship to the college, university or technical school of his or her choice. The student also wins a $1,000 grant to be distributed to the school or civic organization of his or her choice.

The 2010 Youth Citizenship Award Winner and Finalists

The results of the 2010 Youth Citizenship Award have been announced. We're pleased to present this year's winner and four finalists:

Winner - Eric Wright, North Gwinnett High School
Runner-up - John Scott, Madison County High School
Finalist - Nidia Bland, Flowery Branch High School
Finalist - Haley Chapman, East Hall High School
Finalist - Caitlin Siracusa, Peachtree Ridge High School

Wright performed over 550 hours of community service during his high school years.  His volunteer activities include co-founding an organization at North Gwinnett High School called Emerge, a leadership initiative developed to facilitate and instill leadership skills in African-American students.  Other activities include being a student instructor, mentoring to underclassmen, volunteering at a thrift store, serving a cooperative ministry, coaching recreational sports, participating in food drives and other projects and events through his school and community.  Wright is also a starting player on his high school 5A championship football team and is active in Student Council, Key Club and North Gwinnett's Leadership Team.

Congratulations to this year's winner and finalists and thank you to everyone who entered this year. 

• The application period for the 2010 Youth Citizenship Award has ended.  For more information, please contact Kay Parks at kparks@jacksonemc.com.

Requirements for Participation

• Have a minimum 2.5 GPA
• Include a letter of recommendation from a club/organization sponsor where you have volunteered
• Be a junior or senior in high school and 16 years old. 
• Student cannot be taking college classes in summer of current year. 
• Students interested in the Governor's Honors Program may have a schedule conflict with the Washington Youth Tour.
• Attend a high school in Jackson EMC's service territory. (Student does not have to be a member.)

Jackson EMC employees will review all applications, and a panel of community volunteers and employees will then interview five finalists to determine the winner.

Students may volunteer in the community via a school organization or civic organization, but bettering the community must be a key part of the activity.