(BOISE) – Two exemplary high school seniors will represent Idaho in Washington D.C. as part of the prestigious 63rd annual United States Senate Youth Program.
To be considered for the program, students must be engaged in high-level elected or appointed leadership positions. Fruitland High School senior Adilee Elam and Emmett High School senior Jeni Hammon will join a cohort of high-performing high school seniors and juniors from around the country for an intensive, weeklong leadership development experience in the nation’s capital.
Delegates will get the opportunity to experience their national government in action, hearing major policy addresses by senators and cabinet members and participating in meetings with the president and a U.S. Supreme Court justice. They will also receive $10,000 scholarships for undergraduate studies at their choice of higher education institutions.
“Adilee and Jeni exemplify a dedication to civics and leadership, and I’m excited that the United States Senate Youth Program has raised their profiles with this award,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield. “I hope they take advantage of everything that this close up view of government, civics and democracy has to offer.”
Two alternate delegates were also selected. Owyhee High School senior Mason Gibbons and Caldwell High School senior Nicholas Mendez were both awarded $250 scholarships and will stand by to attend if a delegate is unable to make the trip.
Idaho’s other top finalists are:
- Frances Camilli, Wood River High School in Hailey
- Jarom Campbell, McCall-Donnelly High School in McCall
- Tregan Darrington, Burley High School in Burley
- Ava Eppich, Council High School in Council
- Hena Lee, Centennial High School in Meridian
- Louisa-Marie Nalder, Columbia High School in Nampa
- Ebunoluwa Ogunrinola, Ridgevue High School in Caldwell
- Steven Gaxiola Urias, Skyline High School in Idaho Falls
The program was established in 1962 by U.S. Senate Resolution and offers high-performing high school students interested in pursuing a career in public service the opportunity to interact with officials from each branch of the federal government.