Crapo, Risch Welcome Idaho Delegates for U.S. Senate Youth Program
Washington, D.C. - Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch today welcomed Idaho’s delegates to the 57th annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) held March 2-9, 2019, in Washington, D.C. Olivia Love of Eagle and Emma Watts of Pocatello were selected from among the state’s top student leaders to participate in the 104 national student delegation.
“Olivia and Emma have demonstrated the distinct leadership skills necessary to participate in this extremely competitive program,” said Crapo. “As we continue to confront complicated issues, I am confident these young Idaho leaders will approach their futures with a solid understanding of the vital importance of democratic decision making throughout the world.”
“Olivia’s and Emma’s leadership at their respective high schools and in their communities is admirable and reflects the spirit of our great state,” said Risch. “These bright young Idahoans are so deserving of this distinction, and I’m proud of their hard work.”
Olivia Love, a senior at Eagle High School, serves as her school’s Associated Student Body president, and is an Idaho State Senate page, a member of the National Honor Society, 4-H and the City of Star Mayor’s Youth Council. She is an American Legion Auxiliary Syringa Girls State delegate, a Star Food Bank volunteer, a gubernatorial campaign volunteer and a founding club member of the Eagle High School chapter of We Dine Together. Olivia has a keen interest in government and international economics and hopes to attend the United States Air Force Academy.
Emma Watts, a junior at Century High School, serves in student government as Junior Class president. She balances a challenging course load with the demands of National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Outdoor Club, Bannock County 4-H and Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council. Ema is president of Century’s Junior Civitans and lieutenant governor for Idaho’s Area 3. She recently received a community service award during the Idaho State Journal’s Kid’s Matter event, and she strives to learn from people’s culture, struggles and everyday lives. Her hobbies include photography and piano. She has an interest in biochemistry and environmental science.
In addition to Olivia and Emma, Ms. Nadine Abdel-Rahim, a student at Moscow Senior High School, and Ms. Reagan Yamauchi, a student at Soda Springs High School, were chosen as the two alternates to this year’s program.
During their week in the nation’s capital, Olivia and Emma will have the opportunity to 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. They will also tour many of the national monuments and several of Washington’s famous museums.
In addition to the experience in our nation’s capital, each of the delegates will receive a $10,000 college scholarship. The scholarship and program week in Washington, D.C., are made possible through a grant from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. All transportation, meals and accommodations are provided. No government funds are utilized for the program.
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