Kersey and Gay Selected to Serve as Pineland’s 2026 Youth Tour Representatives

Pineland Telephone Cooperative, Inc. is proud to announce the selection of Katelyn Kersey and William Gay as its 2026 Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) Youth Tour Representatives. These outstanding students are currently representing the Cooperative during the FRS Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.

Since 1995, the FRS Youth Tour has provided high school students from rural America with the opportunity to visit the nation’s capital, observe government in action, and learn about rural telecommunications. The tour offers a forum for teens to interact with peers from other rural communities, as well as key legislative, regulatory, and government figures.

Students are selected based on their demonstrated leadership in organizations and their community through volunteer activities, their academic accomplishments, their insightful essays on broadband in rural America, and recommendations from their high school educators and counselors.

Katelyn Kersey, the daughter of Ryan Kersey and Karen Kersey, is a rising senior at Swainsboro High School. She is actively involved in Future Farmers of America (FFA), Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Student Council, and serves as a football cheerleader.

Outside of school, Katelyn dedicates much of her time to serving her community through her church and Weekend Blessings of Swainsboro. Her commitment to service and leadership reflects her desire to make a positive impact on those around her and demonstrates the qualities that make her an excellent representative for the Youth Tour program.

William Gay, the son of Jeremy and Natalie Gay of Matthews, is a rising junior at Thomas Jefferson Academy. He is an active participant in the school’s Varsity Football and Varsity Shotgun teams and is a member of the Beta Club.

In addition to his school activities, William is involved with Stevens Creek Church and enjoys opportunities to serve and grow through his faith community. His dedication to academics, athletics, and community involvement exemplifies the leadership and character celebrated by the Youth Tour program.

“We’re proud to sponsor Katelyn and William as they represent our community on this year’s tour,” said Pineland Telephone CEO Dustin Durden. “Both students have demonstrated leadership, commitment, and a desire to serve others. We know they will gain valuable experiences and insights during their time in our nation’s capital.”

During the weeklong program, participants meet with peers from rural communities across the country, learn about the telecommunications industry, and experience firsthand the history and workings of the federal government.

Pineland Telephone Cooperative and Pineland Communications proudly serve more than 2,000 square miles across all or parts of thirteen counties in South Georgia, delivering Phone, Internet, and Technology solutions to the communities we call home.

Now in its 74th year, Pineland provides 100% Fiber-to-the-Home service to all customers, offering gigabit-enabled broadband designed to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s possibilities.

Pineland’s mission is to deliver an outstanding customer experience through the efficient deployment of progressive technology solutions. This mission comes to life by living out the Core Values of Excellence, Integrity, Innovation, and a Servant’s Heart — showing up with energy, keeping our promises, leading change with purpose, and caring deeply for every customer, coworker, and community we serve.

The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), the philanthropic arm of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association and its members, seeks to sustain and enhance the quality of life in rural America by advancing an understanding of rural issues. Through scholarships, grants, and a variety of educational programs, FRS focuses on educating rural youth, encouraging community development, and introducing policymakers to challenges unique to rural communities. Visit www.frs.org.

NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing nearly 850 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovation in rural and small-town America. In an era of transformative technological advancements, regulatory challenges, and marketplace competition, NTCA members are leading the technological evolution for rural consumers, delivering robust and high-quality services over future-proof networks that make rural communities vibrant places in which to live and do business.