October 24, 2025
Guided by Great Teachers, Bennett Hicks Builds Civic Skills on National Youth Tour
Written by: Prince junior Camden Spires
This past summer, Prince junior Bennett Hicks was selected through a competitive application process to attend the Washington Youth Tour as a student delegate with Georgia Electric Membership Corporations (EMC). The Washington Youth Tour, sponsored by Georgia EMC is a life-changing opportunity where student delegates have the opportunity to explore our nation’s capital while developing and practicing skills in leadership, community service, and civic involvement. Bennett emphasizes that his experience was entirely different from any ordinary trip. “It allowed me to meet others of similar and varying opinions and backgrounds and helped me form and strengthen mine.” Bennett is forever grateful for the lasting friendships he has formed with his fellow participants.
Public Relations Representative of Georgia EMC Andy Paul explains that students gain a deeper appreciation for their role in shaping the future as they visit historic sites and engage in thoughtful discussion with leaders in our nation’s government. Bennett experienced this impact firsthand. He also illuminates Karen Barrett, one of Prince’s high school teachers who taught him in AP Government and AP Human Geography. Highlighting the importance of the valuable role that Prince teachers play in the lives of students, Bennett says, “Mrs. Barrett prepared me with a greater knowledge of government and US history so that I could appreciate the trip all the more.”
Bennett is pictured above (back row and far right) with some of his fellow delegates.