Columbia, S.C. – State Superintendent of Education Molly M. Spearman announced the selection of two students for the 54th Annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) that will be held March 5-12, 2016 in Washington, D.C.
“The 2015 South Carolina delegates for the U.S. Senate Youth Program epitomize the student characterized by the Profile of 21st Century Graduate,” said Spearman. “These students not only have the knowledge to be successful in life after high school, but also the world class skills and characteristics to be productive citizens and lifelong learners.”
“I look forward to seeing the great things they will do for their local communities, our state, and nation,” concluded 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. The overall mission of the program is to help instill within each class of USSYP student delegates more profound knowledge of the American political process and a lifelong commitment to public service. In addition to the student delegates attending Washington Week, the Hearst Foundation will provide each of the 104 student delegates with a $5,000 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.
Delegates selected to represent South Carolina are Quadri Jair Bell and Max Wolin Parsons.
Quadri Bell, son of Thomas and Stacey Bell of Manning, South Carolina, is currently a junior at Manning High School in Clarendon School District Two, where he serves as Student Body Vice-President. Upon graduation, Quadri plans to attend the University of South Carolina and pursue a law degree.
Max Parsons, son of Karen Wolin and Joseph Parsons of Greenville, South Carolina, is currently a senior at J.L. Mann High School in the Greenville County School District. Max serves as President Pro Tempore of the Greenville County Youth in Government. Upon graduation, Max would like to attend Yale University and pursue a law degree. He would eventually like to run for political office as a U.S. Congressman representing South Carolina.
Chosen as alternate delegates to the 2016 USSYP program were Michael Andrew Dunster and Tyler Curtis Warren. Michael, a senior attending Mauldin High School in the Greenville County School District, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Dunster of Simpsonville, South Carolina. Michael currently serves as captain of his school’s speech and debate team as well as serving as a party leader on Greenville County’s Youth in Government. Upon graduation, Michael would like to pursue a law degree and eventually secure employment as a political campaign manager or political consultant.
Tyler Warren is currently a senior attending Stratford High School in the Berkeley County School District. He is the son of Marlene and Michael Warren of Goose Creek, South Carolina. Upon graduation, Tyler would like to obtain a Master’s Degree in Education.
The chief educational officer in each state selects the delegates after nominations by school principals and school USSYP counselors.
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