Idaho Students Chosen for U.S. Senate Youth Program

Washington, D.C. - Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch today announced the selection of Elizabeth Hansen and Nathan Shumway as the Idaho student delegates to the 50 ^th Anniversary United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) in Washington, D.C.  Hansen and Shumway, both of Rexburg, were chosen to participate in a group of 104 student delegates who will attend the program's 50 ^th Anniversary Washington Week.

Elizabeth Hansen attends Madison High School where she is president of the Drama Council.  A member of the National Honor Society and choir selection leader, Hansen enjoys piano, ballet, tennis (4A State Champion) and church.  In the future, she hopes to attend Brigham Young University-Idaho and Brigham Young University-Provo to study political science. 

Nathan Shumway attends Madison High School where he is president of the Scholastic Team.  He is also a member of the National Honor Society, All-Northwest Honors Orchestra, Rexburg Tabernacle Orchestra and serves as orchestral section leader.  In addition, Nathan is secretary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Priest's Quorum.

Alternates chosen for the 2012 program were Zachary LaBenne of Hayden, who attends Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy and Cassandra Vance, an Idaho Falls resident, who attends Idaho Falls High School. 

Selected by the chief educational officer in each state, this year's delegates were designated by Mr. Tom Luna, State Superintendent of Public Instruction.  The students were initially nominated by teachers and principals.

During their week at the nation's capital, the students will 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 will also tour many of the national monuments and several museums renowned to the District.

Students will travel to Washington, D.C., the week of March 3-10 for an intensive week-long study of the federal government, the political process and commitment to public service.  In addition to the experience in our nation's capital, each of the 104 delegates will receive a $5,000 college scholarship.  The scholarship and program week in Washington, D.C., are made possible through a grant from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation.  All transportation, meals and accommodations are provided.  No government funds are utilized for the program.