Inspiring our nation’s youth with public service

    As a senior at Caribou High School, I participated in a program that would change my life. It is called the United States Senate Youth Program. In March, two students from Maine will have the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C., to participate in this program, and to see first-hand why this program still means so much to me.

    Sponsored by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, the Senate Youth Program is a competitive merit-based program that brings 104 of the most outstanding high school students to Washington, D.C., for an intensive week-long study of the federal government and the people who lead it. The overall mission of the program is to help instill within each class of student delegates more profound knowledge of the American political process and a lifelong commitment to public service.

    When I was chosen to participate, I had never flown on an airplane, had never been to Washington, and had never met a U.S. Senator. But I had learned from my parents, both of whom were actively serving community, state, and non-profit organizations, the importance of getting involved. I was president of the student council and active in other school organizations as well.

    One of the highlights of Washington Week, as it’s called, is always the opportunity to meet with Senators from one’s home state. I was fortunate to have had the chance to meet with a true giant of the Senate, Senator Margaret Chase Smith. She was the first woman to serve in both the House and the Senate, the first woman to serve on the Armed Services Committee, and the first woman to have her name entered into nomination for President by a major party. After my meeting with Senator Smith, the foundation of public service instilled in me by my parents had been solidified forever. I am truly honored to hold her seat today.

    I know this is an opportunity that this year’s Maine delegates, Jackson Beck and Thomas Poblador, will remember forever. I am also confident that it will inspire them to continue their already impressive involvement in public service.

    Jackson, who is from South Portland, attends South Portland High School and serves as student representative to the South Portland Board of Education as well as Student Senate president. In addition, Jackson is a captain on the swim team, competitor in Lincoln-Douglas debate, and a member of Interact Club, a community service organization. His future plans include earning a degree in political science and pursuing a career in law or policy analysis.

    Thomas, who is from Berwick, attends Noble High School and serves as a student liaison for his school’s mentoring program and is the student representative for his academic team. In addition, Thomas volunteers at his high school Writing Center, having accumulated more than 400 community service hours. Last year, he competed in the National “We the People” competition in Washington, D.C. His future plans include pursuing a degree in political science or international relations. He has an interest in diplomacy and serving in the U.S. Foreign Service.

    I congratulate Jackson and Thomas, and I look forward to welcoming them to Washington. Through this program, they will see a side of the federal government that too often gets lost in news reports that focus solely on conflict and division. Although Senators come from different parties and different parts of the country, we are united by a dedication to serving our nation.

    When I participated in the program, I had no idea that one day my fellow Mainers would elect me to represent them in the U.S. Senate. As the first former Senate Youth Program delegate who went on to serve in the U.S. Senate, I am able to see the lasting effect this trip will have on these students.