State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman announced today the names of the two students who have been selected as delegates to the 58th Annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) that will be held March 7–14, 2020, in Washington, D.C.
The delegates selected to represent South Carolina are Janine D'Souza (Riverside High School) and Hannah Hedley (Hammond School).
Janine D'Souza, daughter of Renita and Jeevan D'Souza of Taylors, South Carolina, is a Senior at Riverside High School in the Greenville School District. Janine serves on Harvest Hope's Youth Leadership Board and is co-captain of Riverside High's Speech and Debate team.
Hannah Hedley, daughter of Rachel and Terrence Hedley of Columbia, South Carolina, is a Senior at Hammond School in Columbia. Hannah serves as the National Honor Society Vice President and was awarded the Outstanding Statesman Award by the Youth in Government program.
"Janine and Hannah are exceptional students who will represent South Carolina with distinction as delegates to the United States Senate Youth Program. Congratulations to these young leaders on being selected for this extremely competitive scholarship program," said State Superintendent Molly Spearman.
The USSYP was created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962 and has been sponsored by the Senate and fully funded by the Hearst Foundation since its inception. The program was established to “to increase young Americans’ understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government, the caliber and responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials, and the vital importance of democratic decision making not only for America, but for people around the world.”
Each year this extremely competitive merit-based program brings 104 of the most outstanding high school students—two from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity—to Washington, D.C., for an intensive week-long study of the federal government. Student delegates will hear major policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and directors of other federal agencies, as well as participate in meetings with the president and a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
In addition to the student delegates attending Washington Week, the Hearst Foundation will provide each of the 104 student delegates with a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship with encouragement to continue their educational coursework in government, history and public affairs. Transportation and all expenses for Washington Week will be provided by the Hearst Foundation. No government funds are utilized.
Click here for more information on the United States Senate Youth Program.
Delegate: Janine D'Souza,
Riverside High School
Delegate: Hannah Hedley,
Hammond School |
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