Students Headed to Washington, DC and to Receive $5K Scholarship
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Bob Casey and Arlen Specter announced the names of the two students who have been selected as delegates to the 48th Annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) that will be held this spring. The USSYP is a merit-based program that brings 104 student delegates to Washington each year for an intensive week-long program and provides them with scholarships. AnnaMaria Garuccio of Philadelphia and John Pope of Carlisle were chosen as Pennsylvania’s 2010 delegates.
“These young Pennsylvanians, AnnaMaria and John, are great representatives of the Commonwealth,” said Senator Casey, co-chair of the USSYP advisory committee. “I am glad that they will have the opportunity to continue to build their leadership skills and learn more about public service by participating in the 48th Annual United States Senate Youth Program.”
“I would like to congratulate AnnaMaria and John on their selection to the 48th Annual United States Senate Youth Program,” Senator Specter said. “The program provides an excellent overview of public service and our government in action. I know the two will do an outstanding job representing Pennsylvania during the week-long program and beyond.”
The USSYP was created in 1962 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 of the 104 student delegates with a $5,000 undergraduate college scholarship with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs.
Each year this competitive merit-based program brings 104 of the most outstanding high school students — two from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity — to Washington, D.C. for an intensive week-long study of the federal government and the people who lead it. This year’s program will be held March 6-13.
AnnaMaria Garuccio is the Student Body President at Nazareth Academy. She also serves as a member of the Mensa Society, established and participated in the Academy’s debate team and is a member of the National Honor Society and President of the Italian Honor Society. In addition, AnnaMaria serves in the Community Service Corps, is co-captain of the varsity tennis team and served as a representative to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Papal Colloquium. She is also an accomplished violinist.
John Pope is the elected Governor of Pennsylvania in the Pennsylvania Youth and Government Program and attends Carlisle High School. He also serves as president of the National Honor Society, as a member of the Shakespeare Troupe, the vice-chair of the YMCA’s Model U.N. and captain of the track team. John is a National Merit Scholar, has earned the distinction of Eagle Scout and is team captain in the Relay for Life.
While in Washington the student delegates will attend meetings and briefings with Senate leadership, other 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. 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.
Senator Casey co-chairs the USSYP 2010 48th Annual Senate Advisory Committee along with Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS).
###
