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Youth

Mississippi Students Selected for United States Senate Youth Program

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Mississippi Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker announced that Andrew Peterson of Hattiesburg and Romeris Pettiford of Clarksdale have been chosen to represent the state at the 48th annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). This prestigious program, scheduled for March 5-12 in Washington, provides a week-long educational experience for 104 students from across the country. The students will engage with Senators, congressional staff, the President, a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, and officials from cabinet agencies, the diplomatic corps, and the media. Additionally, each representative will receive a $5,000 undergraduate college scholarship from the Hearst Foundation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Andrew Peterson and Romeris Pettiford, both from Mississippi, were selected to represent the state at the 48th annual USSYP.
  • The program, which takes place from March 5-12 in Washington, will provide a week-long educational experience for 104 students from across the country.
  • Each representative will receive a $5,000 undergraduate college scholarship from the Hearst Foundation.
  • The program is designed to educate young leaders in government, public service, and politics.
  • The USSYP alternates include Alex Amis of Clinton and William Hunter of Vicksburg, who were designated by Dr. Tom Burnham, State Superintendent of Education.
  • The program was created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962 and has been sponsored by the Senate and fully funded by The Hearst Foundations since inception.
  • No government funds are used to sponsor the program, which is open to two students from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity.
  • The students selected will have the opportunity to meet with high-ranking government officials, including Senators, congressional staff, and the President.
  • Both Peterson and Pettiford are accomplished academically and have demonstrated leadership abilities through their school and community involvement.
  • Peterson attends Presbyterian Christian School and is student body vice president, while Pettiford attends Coahoma Agricultural High School and is a student council representative.

Statistics:

  • 104 students will participate in the 2011 USSYP.
  • $5,000 undergraduate college scholarship will be awarded to each representative from the Hearst Foundation.
  • The program will take place from March 5-12 in Washington.
  • The USSYP has been running for 49 years, since it was created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962.
  • Two students from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity are selected to participate in the annual program.

Sources:

  • Senate Resolution 324 (1962)
  • The Hearst Foundation
  • Mississippi Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker press release
  • United States Senate Youth Program website
  • Dr. Tom Burnham, State Superintendent of Education

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