WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo (both R-Idaho) welcomed Idaho’s delegates to the 59th annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) held March 14-17, 2021, in Washington, D.C. Jacob Ross Flick, of Gooding, and Adam Nicholas Jones, of Boise, were selected from among the state’s top student leaders to participate in the 104 national student delegation. Due to the pandemic, the 2021 program will be the program’s first-ever fully virtual Washington Week, and is designed to be an interactive and educational leadership forum for the nation’s outstanding student leaders.
“Congratulations to Jacob and Adam, Idaho’s delegates for the United States Senate Youth Program,” said Senator Risch. “These young Idahoans are exemplary leaders in their schools and communities, and I’m proud of their hard work and dedication to public service. I’m confident they’ll do an outstanding job representing Idaho during this year’s virtual program.”
“Jacob and Adam have demonstrated the distinct leadership skills necessary to participate in this extremely competitive program,” said Senator Crapo. “As we confront complicated issues, inspiring youth to become engaged citizens and leaders will bring lasting solutions that can strengthen and preserve our nation.”
Jacob Flick, a senior at Gooding High School, serves as the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter and District president. He has also served as the FFA Chapter and District treasurer, the Sophomore Class president, Percussion president and Freshman Class vice president. Jacobs activities include volunteering at Helping Hearts and Hands, a local community garden and soup kitchen, the Gooding County Chamber Project, and Idaho Fish and Game. Jacob plans to attend the University of Idaho and study rangeland and forestry ecology, agricultural engineering or environmental law. His career goal is to make an impact in the world of land management.
Adam Jones, a senior at Timberline High School, serves as the president of the Associated Student Body. He is also the president of the Young Republicans Club, and has served as Junior Class president, Freshman Class president, Senior Patrol Leader, National Junior Honor Society president, and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. Adam has participated in Rake Up Boise, has volunteered as a poll worker for Ada County Board of Elections, organized food drives, and repainted 127 fire hydrants in the city of Boise. He hopes to pursue a college degree that he can use to inspire real change to better the lives of all Americans, and his dream is to eventually become a U.S. Senator from Idaho.
In addition to Jacob and Adam, Lilian Smith, a resident of Coeur d'Alene, and Hallie Welker, a resident of Pocatello, were chosen as the two alternates to this year’s program.
During the program week, the student delegates will attend online meetings and briefings with senators, the President, a justice of the Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies and senior members of the national media, among others.
In addition to the experience, 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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