WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) today announced the names of the two Pennsylvania students who have been selected as delegates to the 49th 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. Timothy Sensenig of Denver and Stephanie Warner of Erie were chosen as Pennsylvania’s 2011 delegates.
“I congratulate Timothy and Stephanie on rising to the top of a competitive field of candidates to be selected to attend the 49th annual United States Senate Youth Program,” said Senator Casey. “I applaud their ambition and interest in public service and am glad they will have the opportunity to build their leadership skills by attending this program.”
“I’m proud that Timothy and Stephanie’s hard work and achievements have been recognized by the United States Senate Youth Program, which has inspired hundreds of students to become involved in public service,” said Senator Toomey. “These students are wonderful examples of the next generation of leaders we need in our communities.”
The USSYP was created by Senate Resolution 324 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 5-12.
Timothy Sensenig is Student Government Cabinet member at Cocalico High School where he has chaired several major projects. In addition, Timothy is president of the National Honor Society and was elected to lead the Leo Club’s Relay for Life. He is active in his church, is dedicated to many community service projects and enjoys participation in theatre. Tim has served on Congressman Pitts’ Youth Advisory Council and has interned with both the local Borough Council and his state Representative.
Stephanie Warner is Student Government president at Mercyhurst Preparatory School after serving two years as class secretary. She also is a member of the Ophelia Club, dealing with bullying and peer counseling. As a proactive leader, Stephanie advocates student concerns to school administrators and works with those in need through mission trips and community service projects. She is active in National Honor Society and is a member of her school’s state championship Soccer Team.
While in Washington the student delegates will 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. 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.
Members of the USSYP 2011 49th Annual Senate Advisory Committee are: Co-Chairs — Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska and Senator John Cornyn of Texas. Advisory Committee — Senator Dianne Feinstein of California, Senator Kay R. Hagan of North Carolina, Senator Bernard Sanders of Vermont, Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming , Senator Scott P. Brown of Massachusetts, Senator James E. Risch of Idaho and Senator Roger F. Wicker of Mississippi. Each year, the Honorary Co-Chairs of the program are the Senate Majority and Minority Leaders and the Vice President of the United States.
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