Jackson EMC has awarded four high school students with scholarships in this year’s Youth Tour competition. Since 1971, Jackson EMC has sent high school students on the Washington Youth Tour, a week long leadership and team building experience at the nation’s capital. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tour was canceled in both 2020 and 2021. In lieu of the youth tour, Jackson EMC awarded a $4,000 scholarship to each of four students based on academics, community service, recommendations and an interview. These student leaders have each contributed greatly to their community.

Rajveer Singh, Junior, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee

Rajveer Singh is on the Ridge Rhetoric Debate team and Science Olympiad Team and in Spanish Honor Society. He won an Innovation in Action award at the 2021 Gwinnett Science and Engineering Fair and is a certified community health worker and a rower with the Atlanta Junior Rowing Association. Rajveer works part-time as a math and language arts tutor and plans to pursue a career as a physician.

Philosophy on Leadership: “To me, leadership is leading by example. When I’m working on a team, I want everyone on the same page, so communication is important. It’s also important to me that everyone has the opportunity to work on something they’re passionate about.”

Sanai Neblett, Senior, Dacula High School, Dacula

Sanai Neblett is a scholar-athlete and violist. A member of the Dacula Leadership Team, Beta Club, National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society, she was elected student body president for her senior year. A Girl Scout, she serves as a mentor with Diamond in the Rough, a girls development program, and volunteers with Mending the Gap. Sanai plans to become a neurosurgeon.

Philosophy on Leadership: “I have always found the importance of uplifting one’s community. There are certain characteristics that every leader needs in order to make a positive impact. The most important is adaptability. Being able to adapt quickly, no matter the circumstances, is paramount to every leadership position.”

Sarah Johnson, Senior, Johnson High School, Gainesville

Sarah Johnson is a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club. She founded the Mu Alpha Theta National Mathematics Honor Society at her high school. As a varsity basketball player, she won the Captain’s Award in 2020. She volunteers with the South Hall Food Pantry and Backpack Love and seeks a career as a pediatrician with plans to volunteer with Doctors Without Borders.

Philosophy on Leadership: “A leader should be kind, compassionate, humble and willing. I believe that leadership begins with service. Serving others is at the core of my being. It’s important to volunteer, not just because it makes you a better person and leader, but it improves the community, strengthens those ties and helps everyone involved.”

Joey Blackstock, Senior, Jefferson High School, Jefferson

Joey Blackstock is a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club and FFA. As a Principal’s Leadership Council member, he has received three awards and participated in Georgia Youth Assembly. He’s on the Athens Chapter of the Watson-Brown Foundation Junior Board, comprised of students interested in historic preservation and philanthropy, and plans to be a family nurse practitioner.

Philosophy on Leadership: “My motivation for leadership and volunteerism came from my family, but mainly from my grandmother, Glenda Blackstock, who was always a phone call away for anyone who needed her. Being around my grandparents fostered my desire to help others. When I was in middle school, that came to life with FFA service projects and, in high school, with Principal’s Leadership Council and the Watson-Brown Foundation Junior Board.”

For more information about the Youth Tour Competition, visit jacksonemc.com/wyt.