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Two Idaho students selected as delegates to U.S. Senate Youth Program, each awarded $10,000 scholarship
Summary
State Superintendent Debbie Critchfield introduced Idaho’s two delegates and two alternates to the annual U.S. Senate Youth Program; each delegate receives a $10,000 undergraduate scholarship and will attend Washington Week in March.
State Superintendent Debbie Critchfield introduced two Idaho high school students who were selected as delegates to the 63rd annual United States Senate Youth Program and named two alternates, the House Education Committee heard.
The two selected delegates are Addie (Adeline) Elam of Fruitland High School and Jenny Hammond of Emmett High School. Alternates named were Nick Mendez of Caldwell High School and Mason Gibbons of Owyhee High School (West Ada). Each delegate receives a $10,000 undergraduate scholarship and will participate in Washington Week, a multi-day program in Washington, D.C., where students hear addresses from senators, cabinet members and federal officials.
"I think really the most valuable aspect of USSYP is really just the network that it's going to provide," Addie Elam told the committee, saying she looked forward to meeting delegates from other states and "people that can work together to make a positive difference." Jenny Hammond said the program had helped her build skills in public speaking and writing and that it had clarified her interest in public service and law.
Superintendent Critchfield said the United States Senate Youth Program was established in 1962 by a U.S. Senate resolution and that the program provides delegates a week-long opportunity to see the national government in action; in addition to the scholarship, delegates meet federal officials and participate in policy briefings. The committee heard that the national deadline for state delegate selection was December 2024 and that delegates will attend Washington Week in March.
Alternates Nick Mendez and Mason Gibbons also addressed the committee. Mendez said being selected was an honor for his community and would support his interest in international relations and Earth and planetary science. Gibbons, an alternate from West Ada's newest high school, said he hoped the selection would encourage other students at his school to pursue similar leadership opportunities.
There were no committee actions attached to the presentation; the item was informational. The committee thanked the students and Superintendent Critchfield and adjourned.
