State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman announced two South Carolina high school students have been selected as delegates to the 59th Annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) that will be held March 14–18, 2021. 

The delegates selected to represent South Carolina are Alex Blocker (Irmo High School) and Hamilton Sprawls (South Florence High School).

"Alex and Hamilton 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.

Both students were notified of their selection by Superintendent Spearman and their principal while at school on Friday, February 5th. 

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. 


Delegate: Alex Blocker,
Irmo High School

Alex Blocker, son of Melise Cook and Nicholas Blocker of Irmo, South Carolina, is a Senior at Irmo High School in Lexington-Richland School District Five. Alex serves as the Irmo High School Student Body Vice President and AME Young People’s Division 7th Episcopal Third Vice President.

“I am so excited for and proud of Alex Blocker,” said Irmo High School Principal Dr. Robin Hardy. “Alex perfectly represents the high expectations and accomplishments of Irmo High School and is an inspiration to others. Remember his name. The best is yet to come.” 


Delegate: Hamilton Sprawls,
South Florence High School

Hamilton Sprawls, son of Cecilia and Frazier Sprawls of Florence, South Carolina, is a Senior at South Florence High School. Hamilton serves as the South Florence High School Student Body President and Chair of Communications and Prayer Subcommittee on Church at Sandhursts’s Mission Committee.

“Hamilton is an outstanding student leader and I am proud to have him represent South Florence High School and Florence One on a national level,” said South Florence High School Principal Shand Josey. “Serving as the student body president and president of the SFHS National Honor Society, Hamilton is continually investing his time and energy into our school and community. This scholarship award is a well deserved honor for Hamilton and I am excited to see what the future holds for this incredible young man whom we are proud to call one of our own!” 

The USSYP was created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962 and has been sponsored by the U.S. 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.”

Click here for more information on the United States Senate Youth Program.