CHEYENNE, Wyo. — A Cheyenne East High School student was chosen as an alternate for joining Wyoming Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis in representing the state during the 61st annual United States Senate Youth Program in Washington Week.
Caroline Hope Di Senso of Cheyenne would attend the program from March 4 until March 11 if one of the two selected students, Phoebe Elaine Allbright of Lusk and Sophia Gomelsky of Laramie, was unable to go.
Karina Catherine Lea from Thermopolis, who attends Hot Springs County High School, is the other alternate.
The USSYP was established by the U.S. Senate in 1962 and provides an educational experience for students interested in public service careers. The program provides an in-depth view of the Senate and federal government, as well as a deeper understanding of the relationships between the Legislative, Judicial and Executive Branches.
During the program week, the student delegates will attend online meetings and briefings with senators, the president, a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies and senior members of the national media, among others.
Delegates and alternates are selected by the state departments of education nationwide, after nomination by teachers and principals. The chief state school officer for each jurisdiction confirms the final selection.
Allbright and Gomelsky were selected from among the state’s top student leaders to be part of the national 104-student delegation. 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 program week, the Hearst Foundations provide each student with a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs.
For more information, visit www.ussenateyouth.org.
