Dekle and Andrews to serve as Pineland’s Youth Tour Representatives

Pineland Telephone Cooperative, Inc. is proud to announce the selection of Seth Dekle and Rileigh Andrews as its 2025 Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) Youth Tour Representatives. These exemplary students will represent the Cooperative during the upcoming Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., scheduled for June 2–6.

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 were 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.

Seth Dekle, the son of Jeff and Marnie Dekle of Metter, is a senior at Pinewood Christian Academy. Throughout his high school career, he has maintained a standing on the school’s Honor Roll, and has served as a member of the National Honors Society and National Society for High School Scholars. He was awarded the Citizenship Award, Health Science Subject Award, and Honors Chemistry Subject Award. This year, he was nominated for the Governor’s Honors Program, placed State Runner-up at the Georgia Beta Convention in Health Science, and completed the Candler Youth Leadership program.

In addition to his academic accomplishments, Seth is a member of Pinewood’s Track and Field and Cross-Country teams, Beta Club, Interact Club, Drama Club, and has served his classmates as Class Treasurer and Class President. He is employed part-time as a Licensed Pharmacy Technician at IHS Pharmacy, serves as a Vacation Bible School Leader, and has contributed 90 hours to community service over the past four years. Seth enjoys fishing, sports, and spending time with his family and friends.

Rileigh Andrews, the daughter of Allen and Mary Andrews of Stillmore, is a sophomore at Swainsboro High School. In addition to maintaining Honor Roll status, she is a member of the

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and Beta Club, will be competing in the National Beta Convention this summer, and is pursuing the position of FBLA Region Officer.

Rileigh dedicates much of her time to volunteering, assisting at her church, and supporting the Stillmore Fire Department with community outreach and events. Her interests include art, history, and marine science, and she has a passion for learning.

“We’re proud to sponsor Seth and Rileigh to represent our community on this year’s tour,” said Pineland Telephone CEO, Dustin Durden. “They have displayed initiative and dedication in their studies and pursuits, and we look forward to seeing all they accomplish.”

Pineland Telephone Cooperative, Inc. serves over 2,000 square miles with its Phone, Internet, and Technology services in all or parts of ten counties in South Georgia. In its 74th year, 100% of Pineland’s Phone and Internet customers receive their services via a Fiber-to-the-Home network offering Gigabit enabled broadband connections. Pineland’s mission is to offer an outstanding customer experience through the efficient delivery of progressive technology solutions in the markets served. We will achieve this mission by applying our Core Values of Excellence, Integrity, Innovation, and a Servant’s Heart in everything we do.

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 us at 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. Because of their efforts, rural America is fertile ground for innovation in economic development, e-commerce, health care, agriculture, and education, and it contributes billions of dollars to the U.S. economy each year. Visit us at www.ntca.org.