|
Young leaders provide valuable perspective |
|
April 11, 2017 |
By U.S. Senator Mike Crapo
Helen Keller wrote in 1930, “It is not possible
for civilization to flow backward while there is
youth in this world.” Meeting with Idaho
delegates to the U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP)
is a reminder of the great promise for the
future of our state and nation found in Idaho’s
young leaders.
The U.S. Senate established the USSYP 55 years
ago to recognize the leadership potential of
students elected to student body offices in high
schools across the U.S. and encourage the
deepening of their interest in and understanding
of our country’s political process.
The program is meant to increase an
understanding of the interrelationships of the
three branches of government, the
responsibilities of federal officials and the
importance of decision making.
Through the program, 104 delegates -- two
representing each state, the District of
Columbia and the Department of Defense Education
Activity -- are selected via a competitive
process to travel to Washington, D.C., to learn
about our federal government and leadership.
I had the honor of joining fellow Idaho Senator
Jim Risch in announcing the two Idaho students
selected as this year’s Idaho delegates to the
55th annual USSYP held March 4-11 in Washington,
D.C.
This year, Kathy Mae Min and Ian Robert Muir,
both of Boise, were chosen from students across
Idaho to be part of the student delegation who
attended the program’s annual Washington Week.
Kathy is captain of Centennial High School’s
debate team and president of its environmental
club. Upon graduation, Kathy, who also serves as
vice president of the Idaho Young Democrats,
would like to study political science in college
and attend law school.
Ian Muir has served in numerous leadership
positions at Mountain View High School. He is
Student Body Vice President and also served as
Freshman Class Representative and Sophomore and
Junior Class President. Additionally, Ian is a
member of the school’s track and cross country
teams and serves on the West Ada School District
Superintendents Advisory Council. He also is a
member of the National Honor Society and the
Maverick Spirit Crue. Upon graduation, Ian plans
to study biology or pre-medicine in college with
hopes of becoming a physician’s assistant.
Two alternate delegates were also selected:
Marissa Gerber, of Pocatello, who attends
Century High School; and Ryan Kinville, of
Rexburg, who attends Madison Senior High School.
According to the program organizers, “In
addition to outstanding leadership abilities and
a strong commitment to volunteer work, the
student delegates rank academically in the top
one percent of their states among high school
juniors and seniors. Now more than 5,500 strong,
alumni of the program continue to excel and
develop impressive qualities that are often
directed toward public service.”
Program organizers also explain that students
participating in the program have the
opportunity to attend meetings and briefings
with senators and congressional staff, the
President, a Justice of the Supreme Court,
leaders of cabinet agencies, an Ambassador to
the United States and top members of the
national media. They also have the opportunity
to visit national monuments and museums. The
USSYP also provides each delegate with an
undergraduate college scholarship.
No government funds are utilized for the
program.
Today’s young leaders provide valuable
perspective as they approach complicated,
national issues with new thoughts and ideas.
Congratulations to Idaho’s U.S. Senate Youth
Program delegates on their selection, and thank
you to all of Idaho’s youth who are working hard
to learn more about civic engagement as they
enhance their interest in public service and
leadership. |
|
Questions or comments about this
article?
Click here to e-mail! |
|
|
|
|
