The 60th Annual USSYP Senate Reception – Online!

Washington Week 2022 pivoted the annual Senate Reception to Zoom, and 85 senators conducted virtual meetings to congratulate and encourage their home-state student leaders, engaging in many profound and in-depth conversations about policy and philosophy. We thank all senators for their participation and for answering so many of the delegates’ questions in the online format.

To view all 2022 Senate Reception attendees click here.

Delegates in Their Own Words

“Perhaps the most surreal moment was asking the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Mark Milley, about the role of the U.S. military in protecting vulnerable nations — amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. His ability to explain President Putin’s decision-making calculus, as well as the pressures upon the world order, astounded me. It’s easy to assume that leaders we disagree with are irrational. But regardless of party, nationality or ideology, it’s clear that there are always histories that drive events.”
Peter Banyas, MD – 2022

“In our Zoom meeting, Senator Booker advised my co-delegate and I to seek opportunities to have discussions with people of all different views, all different walks of life and all different political opinions. Through this engagement, we learn to better develop our own beliefs. In my opinion, this is the core duty of a USSYP delegate.”
Lily Cheatham, NJ – 2022

“Senator Susan Collins said, ‘Diverse knowledge, leads to diverse growth.’ In her speech, she advocated and promoted a bipartisanship agenda. Thus, I took away the message that you cannot grow unless you are willing to grow in a diverse way from a diverse array of people. Through this philosophy, we promote a truly progressive congress, one that is set on progress through togetherness.”
Ahmya Rivera, NC – 2022

“Justice Kennedy stated, ‘The flag protects those who hate it.’ This declaration gave me a new level of realization about the uniqueness of America in relation to the rest of the world. I am humbled that one could hate the land in which you live, but the values of the country are so strong as to protect your right to hate.”
George Cecil, ID – 2022

“The most significant insight I gained this week was best synthesized by Senate Historian Dr. Betty Koed when she said ‘Failure doesn’t mean it’s the end of the story. Failure means you try again.’ ”
Trevor Tobey, TX – 2022

“This year’s program only reinforced an invaluable lesson that the COVID pandemic has taught us: that no barrier is strong enough to prevent us from sharing our passions, forging meaningful connections and being inspired.”
Lauren Wood, KY – 2022

“Although each speaker brought their own unique experience and perspective to our discussions, one commonality among all of them was their sense of hope: a hope for the future, for a ‘more perfect union.’ In the words of Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, ‘Hope is a muscle; hope is a discipline.’ ”
Mary Margaret Barbee, GA – 2022

“Ms. Romero was by far my favorite speaker because of her unwavering commitment to world peace and unity among NATO nations. Living in a very isolated rural area, it is sometimes hard for me to grasp the issues occurring outside our country. Listening to Ms. Romero, I learned so much about the Ukraine and Russia situation and the importance of NATO, where so many thin lines exist between countries in our world.”
Micah Lightfoot, NM – 2022

“The meetings with our Military Mentors were one of my favorite parts of Washington Week. My Military Mentor did a fantastic job of highlighting both sides of an issue and sharing new information. He would often send articles on a topic mentioned by one of the speakers so that we could read more about it. It was refreshing to respectfully debate topics and try to understand the reasoning behind opposing beliefs.”
Grace Enz, SD – 2022

“Susan Collins of Maine explained that there are ‘fanatical’ Democrats and ‘fanatical’ Republicans, but not enough ‘fanatical’ moderates. In the political climate we live in today, it was comforting to hear that someone is fighting to bridge the divide and bring the parties back together.”
Ross Bodine, IL – 2022

“I logged onto my computer in my school library. On the Zoom staring across from me was Senator Leahy, the president pro tempore of the Senate. The next 30 minutes were nothing short of transformational, motivational and beyond anything I could have ever imagined. I left the meeting teary, moved by the senator’s compassion and the care he took to encourage us to follow our dreams and eventually return to better the state of Vermont.“
Eva Frazier, VT – 2022

“When Secretary Buttigieg told us of his personal experience as a USSYP alum and the pride that he felt to take part in the program, I was able to internalize exactly what this program can do. It serves not only to educate about government, but also to inspire hopeful young leaders like us to inhabit the same figurative seat of some of the nation’s most influential officials. This truly makes you feel as though you can do anything, and after getting to know the delegates around me, I think that fact will hold true for us all.”
Allison McVey, PA – 2022

“Senator Chris Coons said, ‘A life of service should not be a solitary journey.’ And being surrounded by so many passionate, kind and intelligent delegates, I know that I will never be alone in any public service career that I decide to pursue in the future.”
Aditi Shankar, MA – 2022

“A year after the global-trade-disrupting blockage by the cargo ship Ever Given, we returned to the banks of the Suez Canal for a diplomacy simulation facilitated by the National Museum of American Diplomacy. I’ve never seen myself as much of a diplomat, and certainly not as one for the Soviet Union, but I thoroughly enjoyed negotiating with other delegates, and happily drew on my comrades for strength as the Western powers united against us.”
Pristine Thai, FL – 2022

“Even though I originally believed the program would be held in person, I made it clear to all who asked that I was thrilled to participate nonetheless. Pete Buttigieg? In a Zoom call? With me? I soon found that the virtual platform failed to cast any wisp of a shadow over the enlightenment each speaker bestowed.”
Adelaide Poulson, AK – 2022

“The USSYP left me with a new sense of purpose to engage in uncomfortable conversations and work with those whose beliefs are different from mine. No matter how unfair and divisive our world is, I’m renewed with the belief that my responsibility to reach across the aisle and enact change should never diminish.”
Biftu Regaa, TN – 2022

“I spoke with delegates who came from places in our nation where the nearest store was 30 miles away and those who lived in large cities where the cost of living was growing increasingly inaccessible. To have profound and open conversations with such a diverse group of people is an honor that I will carry with me always.”
Elena Serpas, MA – 2022

“At a time when female leadership was scarce in the Senate, a young Susan Collins’ life was changed forever when she met the woman who occupied the seat she would one day hold. Her career tells the story of bipartisanship, integrity and service. She explained that the lessons I would learn and the people I would meet throughout Washington Week would profoundly change my life. She was completely right.”
Frances Stroud, CO – 2022

“Of the historical aspects, the tour of Arlington National Cemetery along with the Q&A session with a serving tomb guard was my favorite. To see someone who has gone through the rigorous but rewarding process of becoming a sentinel has deepened my respect even more.”
Vaibhavi Mahajan, MS – 2022

“Perhaps the most meaningful gift that the United States Senate Youth Program has lent me is an everlasting network of peers devoted to leadership and civic engagement. Though we didn’t always agree, I admired our ability to engage in respectful dialogue, and I developed a newfound appreciation for the varying social, cultural, political and geographic contexts that shape our policy views.”
Sneha Revanur, CA – 2022

“Every time I raise my hand to my heart and say the words of the Pledge of Allegiance, I will remember the words former Senator Gardner taught us. I will never give up faith in America, for democracy shall always prevail so long as we muster the courage to become that very light shining ‘beside the golden door.’”
Eman Seyal, CT – 2022

“When USSYP alum Michael Kikukawa spoke, I felt like I was listening to a character from The West Wing. From his stories about Dr. Biden’s jump scares to the impromptu virtual tour of the White House Press Room (including a cameo appearance by Press Secretary Jen Psaki), Mr. Kikukawa humanized the White House.”
Cordelia Van der Veer, OH – 2022

“Despite there being nearly eight billion people in the world, it is still difficult to find just one person that matches you and truly makes you feel as if you belong alongside them. However, the United States Senate Youth Program has helped me find 103.”
Danika Grieser, PA – 2022

“The theme of perfecting our union was prevalent. Judge Henry acknowledged the difficulties our class has experienced, as well as how recent calamitous events have eroded democratic norms. He provided thought-provoking comments on the importance of our Constitution’s preamble — its assertions of justice, domestic tranquility, general welfare and liberty — and how these values reign true during such uncertain times.”
Rachel Gurevich, NJ – 2022

Official Senator and Student Delegate Roster

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THE United States
SENATE YOUTH PROGRAM

Celebrating
60 Years of Education, Leadership and Public Service

Family, Foundation, Legacy

For 60 years, the United States Senate Youth Program has brought thousands of America’s brightest young leaders to Washington, returning them home with insight into the history and heritage of their democracy and encouragement to be leaders of the future. Each year the students leave with lasting impressions of their week including new friendships and bonds that many term “life-changing.” Although they did not live to see the program’s creation, the progenitors of The Hearst Foundations are with the USSYP delegates each year in spirit.

1820

An exemplar of American success, George Hearst, born in 1820, was raised in a log cabin on his parents’ farm in Franklin County, Missouri. He went west to seek a future in mining, and through industry and acumen developed the family fortune. Answering the call to public service, he served in the California State Legislature representing San Francisco and was appointed to the U.S. Senate in 1886, won election to that seat in 1887 and served as U.S. senator until his death in 1891. His wife, pioneering philanthropist Phoebe Apperson Hearst, distinguished herself as one of America’s most accomplished women, dedicated to historic, educational and children’s causes. She co-founded the National Parent Teachers Association in 1897 and was instrumental in the reclamation and rehabilitation of George Washington’s Mount Vernon property. After she died, one educator said, “Her charities were as broad as the sea and as silent as the quiet of the night.”

1863

William Randolph Hearst, their only child, was born in 1863 and became one of the great legends of American journalism, establishing vast media holdings at the forefront of new communications technologies, including radio, television and specialty magazines. He was an avid student of history and politics. Hearst newspapers detailed the history of the 20th century, and his public service included two terms as a Democratic congressman from New York. During his life, he gave millions of dollars to colleges, hospitals, kindergartens and museums, and in the decade before his death, he established the charitable foundations that bear his name.

1962

The United States Senate Youth Program was envisioned by William Randolph Hearst’s sons, George R. Hearst and Randolph A. Hearst, who worked with the Senate leadership of the day – Senators Kuchel, Mansfield, Dirksen and Humphrey – to establish and authorize the program in 1962. Since its inception, the Senate majority and minority leaders and the vice president of the United States have served as the program’s honorary co-chairs; two senators, one of each party, serve as annual co-chairs, and an eight-senator bipartisan panel serves as the annual Advisory Committee. The Hearst Foundations fully fund and administer all operational aspects of the program including college scholarships and yearly grants to the state departments of education to support the selection of delegates. Hearst family members maintained strong leadership of the program through the decades, including former Hearst Foundations President Millicent Hearst Boudjakdji, a granddaughter of William Randolph Hearst. The Hearst family continues the tradition of avid personal support to this day.

2012

The USSYP celebrated its 50th anniversary with a gala event at the National Gallery of Art during the 2012 Washington Week with delegates, alumni and distinguished guests in attendance.

Today

The Hearst Foundations, now in its 71st year, continue to support numerous charitable and educational organizations across the country. The Foundations’ two flagship initiatives are the United States Senate Youth Program and the annual William Randolph Hearst Journalism Awards Program, founded in 1960, to encourage journalistic excellence and to support education at accredited undergraduate schools of journalism nationwide.

More info
about the Hearst
foundations

THE HEARST FOUNDATIONS

William Randolph Hearst III
President

DIRECTORS

James M. Asher

Anissa B. Balson

David J. Barrett

Frank A. Bennack Jr.

John G. Conomikes

Lisa H. Hagerman

George R. Hearst III

Gilbert C. Maurer

Mark F. Miller

Virginia H. Randt

Mitchell Scherzer

Steven R. Swartz

Paul “Dino” Dinovitz
Executive Director

George B. Irish
Eastern Director

Donna Kalajian Lagani
Senior Program Officer

UNITED STATES SENATE
YOUTH PROGRAM

Rayne B. Guilford
Program Director

Lynn DeSmet
Deputy Director

Caroline Berver
Program Liaison

Denise Cohn
Program Manager

Sarah T. Mishurov
Social Media Manager

Sponsored by the
United States Senate

Funded and Administered by
The Hearst Foundations

The Hearst Foundations
90 New Montgomery Street
Suite 1212
San Francisco, CA 94105
www.ussenateyouth.org

Photography by
Jakub Mosur and Erin Lubin

Designed by
Hearst Communications, Inc.