News Release

January 8, 2019

NEBRASKA STUDENTS SELECTED FOR 2019 U.S. SENATE YOUTH PROGRAM

Senators Deb Fischer and Ben Sasse announced the names of two students who have been selected as delegates to the 57th annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) that will be held March 2-9 in Washington, D.C. Audrey Worthing of Arthur County Schools in Arthur and Caleb Hendrickson of Shickley Public School in Shickley, were chosen from across the state to be part of the group of 104 student delegates who will attend the program’s Washington Week.

The USSYP was created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962 and has been sponsored by the Senate and fully funded by The Hearst Foundations since inception. The program is designed to increase young Americans’ understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government, learn the caliber and responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials, and emphasize the vital importance of democratic decision-making not only for America but for people around the world.

The overall mission of the program is to help grow 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.

Audrey Worthing is a leader throughout her school and community. In addition to holding leadership positions in FCCLA and FFA, Worthing has active roles in her school’s cross-country team and yearbook. Worthing is a member of the school band’s leadership team and works specifically with junior high clarinet players to develop skills needed to join band in high school. Worthing is also a member of the National Honor Society and helps volunteer at community blood drives and the annual Buffalo Stampede Days and Arthur Community Days.  She was also a part of the speech team and made state in two events, ultimately qualifying for national competition. In her spare time Worthing also took part in Girls State Choir and is a member of Concordia University’s National Honor Choir.

Caleb Hendrickson is a natural leader. He is the Vice President of the Shickley Student Council and headed a committee responsible for starting a school golf program after making a presentation to the district’s school board. Hendrickson is also the President of his local FFA chapter and was selected for Boys State and Boys Nations in Washington D.C. where he was appointed FFA Secretary of Agriculture. Hendrickson has also held offices in FBLA and his school’s speech team.

Chosen as alternates to the 2018 program were Eduardo Mora, a resident of Madison who attends Madison High School and Benjamin Kisicki, a resident of Lincoln who attends Lincoln High School.

The chief educational officer in each state selects the delegates after nomination by teachers and principals. This year’s delegates were designated by Dr. Matthew L. Blomstedt, Commissioner of Education.

While in Washington D.C. the student delegates attend meetings and briefings with senators, members of the House of Representatives, Congressional staff, the president, a justice of the Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies, an ambassador to the United States, and senior members of the national media. The students will also tour many of the national monuments and several museums and they will stay at the historic Mayflower Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C.

Student photos are available using the following link.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1HEdUBw8gMVrupT7b6RRUy3L71wTRnYas

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