The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) announced the selection of Kealakehe High School senior Maya Kiana Gee as one of two students who will represent the state at the 56th annual USSYP Washington Week from March 3-10, 2018. Lily Katz, a senior at Baldwin High School, was chosen as an alternate.
“This is a wonderful honor for Maya who has shown tremendous potential and leadership as the student representative on the Hawaii State Board of Education this year,” said Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto. “She will represent Hawaii well and we hope this opportunity inspires her to continue to use her voice to advocate for her fellow students and community.”
Maya also serves on the Hawaii State Student Council and is part of her school’s National Honor Society, team captain for the Model United Nations Club, swim team and leadership.
During her time in Washington, D.C., Maya will 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 student delegation will also tour many of the national monuments and several museums.
Students are selected for the program based on their leadership abilities, commitment to volunteer work and rank academically in the top one percent of the state’s high school juniors and seniors. This year’s USSYP delegation of 104 students will also receive a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate study courtesy of The Hearst Foundation.
Members of the 2018 USSYP annual Senate Advisory Committee includes Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz, Senator Tim Scott (SC), Senator Angus S. King, Jr. (ME), John Barrasso, M.D. (WY), Thad Cochran (MS), Deb Fischer (NE), Marco Rubio (FL), Kamala D. Harris (CA), Joe Manchin III (WV) and Edward J. Markey (MA). Each year, the Honorary Co-Chairs of the program are the vice president of the United States and the Senate majority and minority leaders.
The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), established in 1962 by U.S. Senate Resolution, is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service. For more information, visit http://ussenateyouth.org.
