UvITED STATES SEvATE uOUTη PROGRAμ

U n ited Stat e s Senate Yo uth Pro g r a m
f o rt y- f i f t h An n i v e rs a ry
U N I T E D S TAT E S S E N AT E
Y O U TWashington,
H P RO G R
AM
D.C.
March 3 – 10, 2007
EDUCATION • LEADERSHIP • PUBLIC SERVICE
The William Randolph
Hearst Foundation
Al a ba ma
Al ask a
Arizon a
Ark a ns as
Ca liforni a
Color ado
Conne c ticut
D el awa re
D istri c t of Columbi a
Florid a
Georgia
Hawa ii
Id ah o
Illinois
Indi ana
Iowa
Ka ns as
Kentu c ky
Louisi a na
Maine
Ma ryl a nd
Mass ach uset ts
Mi chiga n
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Monta na
Nebr ask a
Neva d a
New H a mps hire
New Jersey
New Mexi c o
New York
Nort h C a rolin a
Nort h Da kota
Ohio
“ There is a debt of servi ce due from every m an to h is country,
proportioned to t he bounties w hich n ature and fortune have
me asured to him.” – Thomas Jefferson (1743 – 1826)
U n i t e d S tat es S e n at e You t h P ro g r a m
fort y-fifth A nniver sary
Washington, D.C., March 3 – 10, 2007 — Funded by The William Randolph Hearst Foundation
Okl ah oma
O re gon
Pennsylva ni a
Rh ode Isl and
S out h C arolin a
S out h Da kota
Tennessee
Tex a s
Utah
Vermont
Virgini a
Wa s hington
W est Virginia
Wis c onsin
W yomin g
Depa rtment of D efense
Edu cation Activit y
Detail, Russell Senate Office Building
F o rt y- f i f t h a n n i v e r s a ry U n i t e d s tat e s S e n at e Y o u t h P ro g r a m
A dv i s o ry C o m m i t t e e
u n i t e d STATES SEN ATE
RESOLUTION 324
H o n o r a ry
In 1962, Senate Resolution 324, submitted
RESOLVED, That the Senate hereby
by Senator KUCHEL (for himself and Senators
expresses its willingness to cooperate in
MANSFIELD, DIRKSEN, and HUMPHREY), was
a nationwide competitive high school Senate
referred to the Committee on Rules and
youth program which would give several
Administration, and, subsequently, unanimously
representative high school students from
approved by the United States Senate as follows:
each State a short indoctrination into the
SEN ATOR
H A RRY REID
VI C E PRESIDENT
RI C H A RD C H ENEY
SEN ATOR
MITC H Mc C ONNELL
operation of the United States Senate and
ma j ori t y l e ad e r
p r e s id e n t of t h e s e n at e
r e p u b lica n l e ad e r
SEN ATOR
B A R A C K OB A M A
SEN ATOR
SUS A N C OLLINS
of ILLINOIS
o f M A I NE
SEN ATOR
PATRI C K LE A H Y
SEN ATOR
C A RL LEVIN
o f V E R M O NT
of MICHIGAN
SEN ATOR
PETE DOMENI C I
SEN ATOR
MEL M A RTINEZ
SEN ATOR
LIS A MURKOWSKI
SEN ATOR
J O H N WA RNER
o f NE W M E X I C O
of FLORIDA
of ALASKA
of VIRGINIA
Whereas the continued vitality of our Republic
the Federal Government generally, if such
depends, in part, on the intelligent understanding
a program can be satisfactorily arranged and
of our political processes and the functions of
completely supported by private funds with
our National Government by the citizens of the
no expense to the Federal Government.
United States; and
RESOLUTION 146. To amend S. Res. 324 of
Whereas the durability of a constitutional
the Eighty-seventh Congress to provide for the
democracy is dependent upon alert, talented,
participation of the Department of Defense
vigorous competition for political leadership; and
education system for dependents in overseas
Whereas individual Senators have cooperated
areas in the Senate Youth Program.
with various private and university undergraduate
Resolved, That S. Res. 324, Eighty-seventh
and graduate fellowship and internship programs
Congress, agreed to May 17, 1963, is amended
relating to the work of Congress; and
by adding at the end thereof the following
Whereas in the high schools of the United
new section:
States, there exists among students who have
Section 3. For the purpose of this resolution,
been elected to student body offices in their
the term “State” includes the education system
junior or senior year a potential reservoir of
for dependents in overseas areas.
young citizens who are experiencing their first
responsibilities of service to a constituency and
who should be encouraged to deepen their
interest in and understanding of their country’s
political process: Now, therefore, be it
C o - C ha i r s
C o - C ha i r s
u n i t e d s tat e s s e n at e
y o u t h p ro g r a m
The 45th Anniversary of the United States Senate Youth Program,
March 3 – 10, 2007 was a memorable week. Once again 104 student
delegates came to their nation’s capital for Washington Week, to see
the American government in action and to reflect on their own roles
in its future.
The United States Senate Youth Program is in every sense a learning
experience; the students not only hear and interact on a one-toone level with national leaders, they also share an intellectual and
emotional bond with their peers from every state in the nation.
Administered and completely funded by the William Randolph Hearst
Foundation, the program utilizes no government funds. The students
are encouraged to apply by their teachers, principals and guidance
counselors and are ultimately selected by their State Departments
of Education. Each delegate is also awarded a $5,000 college
scholarship, often personally presented by their U.S. Senators, and
are encouraged to pursue college coursework in history, government
and political science.
A dv i s o ry
committee
SEN ATOR
PATTY MURR AY
o f WA SH I N G T O N
SEN ATOR
C H U C K S C H UMER
o f NE W Y O R K
[left] Mentoring tables
[below] Arrival instructions from Military Mentor
L e t t e r f ro m W i l l i a m Ra n d o l p h H e a r s t III
F o u n d at i o n P r e s i d e n t
Dear Delegates,
On behalf of the Hearst Foundation, I send congratulations to all of the student delegates who
participated in the memorable 45th Anniversary United States Senate Youth Program. I hope
your week in the nation’s capital observing your government in action reinforced your individual
commitments to responsible, well-informed citizenship and public service.
The Foundation is honored to sponsor this unique and enduring partnership of the United States
Senate, State Department of Education, outstanding educators and exceptional students.
William Randolph Hearst III
Foundation President
Excitement and experience
c o m b i n e o n a r r i va l d ay
The United States Senate Youth Program remains true to its 45-year heritage as an in-depth
learning experience based upon the interactions between Senators and other high-ranking
government officials and the student delegates from across the country. The 104 student leaders
who are selected to attend represent America’s future, and include many considering
a career in public service and lawmaking.
Arrival in Washington at the historic Mayflower Hotel is filled with excitement and encouragement
as delegates greet each other, call home, and meet with USSYP alumni. Now more than 4500 strong,
USSYP alumni are working in the fields of education, government, law, healthcare, business and
journalism. Alumni meet with delegates on arrival day to answer questions, share their professional
and educational experiences and provide networking opportunities. The students are also
introduced to their Military Mentors, carefully selected officers from each service branch designated
to help students navigate the logistics and required protocol of the demanding week ahead.
Our appreciation is especially extended to the 2007 program Co-Chairs, Senator Susan Collins
of Maine, the first program delegate elected to the Senate, and Senator Barack Obama of Illinois,
as well as the many other distinguished speakers who shared their time. The U.S. Senate and
program also thank the Council of Chief State School Officers for their pivotal role in the delegate
selection process.
The United States Senate Youth Alumni Association (www.ussyaa.org), has forged and maintained
ties with thousands of program alumni. In addition to on-going activities throughout the year, alumni
gather during Washington Week for the association’s annual dinner and board meeting.
In addition to Senator Collins, we are proud that among the many accomplished USSYP alumni are:
Judge Robert Henry, U.S. Court of Appeals; former Ambassador to West Germany Richard Burt;
Presidential Advisor Karl Rove and former Presidential Advisor Thomas “Mack” McLarty.
The program’s mission shall continue as long as there are young people in America with
a dedication to academic excellence and a desire to serve their communities.
Randy Brantley (NC-1981)
Alumni Association President
The historic Mayflower Hotel
U n i t e d s tat e s s e n at e y o u t h p ro g r a m
2 0 0 7 Wa s h i n g to n W e e k A g e n d a
S AT u r d ay, M A RC H 3
1 2:00 noon
Welcome Day - Delegate Arrival and Alumni Mentoring
SU n d ay, M A RC H 4
8:30 am
Formal Group Photograph
11:00 amTouring historic sites and museums
THE HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM
THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
THE JEFFERSON MEMORIAL
THE FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL
7:30 pm
Dinner and Introduction to Military Mentor Team
MOND AY, M A RC H 5
7:30 am
11:00 am
12:30 pm
3:30 pm
Breakfast, The Mayflower Hotel
Speaker: J UDGE ROBERT H. HENRY
United States Court of Appeals for
the Tenth Circuit
USSYP Oklahoma - 1971
Caucus Room, Russell Senate Office Building
Speakers: N ANCY ERICKSON
Secretary of the Senate
ALAN FRUMIN
Chief Parliamentarian of the Senate
Lunch, Library of Congress, James Madison Memorial Building — Montpelier Room
Speaker: D ANIEL P. MULLHOLAN
Director of the Congressional Research Service
The Supreme Court of the United States
Speaker: CHIEF JUSTICE JOHN ROBERTS
6:30 pm
Presentation of Colors and Dinner, The Mayflower Hotel
JOINT ARMED FORCES COLOR GUARD
THE OLD GUARD FIFE AND DRUM CORPS
Speaker: S ENATOR SUSAN COLLINS of Maine
Co-Chair for the 45th Anniversary
United States Senate Youth Program
USSYP Maine - 1971
WEDNESD AY, M A RC H 7
8:30 am
1 2:00 noon
TUESD AY, M A RC H 6
7:00 am
8:15 am
9:30 am
12:45 pm
3:30 pm
7:00 pm
Tour of the WHITE HOUSE
Touring historic sites
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL
THE VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL
Return to the WHITE HOUSE
Greetings from THE PRESIDENT AND FIRST LADY OF
THE UNITED STATES
Lunch, Benjamin Franklin State Dining Room,
Department of State
Host: S EAN McCORMACK
Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs
and Department Spokesman
Speaker: J EFFREY T. BERGNER
Assistant Secretary of State for
Legislative Affairs
Appreciation Remarks: ANISSA BALSON
William Randolph Hearst Foundation Director
The Mayflower Hotel
Speaker: D AVID J. DANELSKI
Mary Lou and George Boone Centennial
Professor Emeritus Stanford University
Dinner, The Mayflower Hotel
Speaker: SENATOR BERNIE SANDERS of Vermont
2:40 pm
5:00 pm
8:00 pm
Breakfast, The Mayflower Hotel
Speaker: K EVIN J. MARTIN
Chairman, Federal Communications Commission
Lunch, Caucus Room, Russell Senate Office Building
Speaker: K ARL ROVE
Senior Advisor to The President and
Deputy Chief of Staff
USSYP Utah -1969
Tour of THE CAPITOL and visit to the
GALLERY OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE
USSYP Annual Reception for Senators and Delegates
Hosts: SENATOR SUSAN COLLINS of Maine
S ENATOR BARACK OBAMA of Illinois
Co-Chairs for the 45th Anniversary
United States Senate Youth Program
Informal dinner, The Mayflower Hotel
3:30 pm 7:00 pm
FRID AY, M A RC H 9
9:00 am
10:30 am
1 2:00 noon
T H URSD AY, M A RC H 8
8:00 am
2:00 noon
1
Breakfast, The Mayflower Hotel
Speaker: D AVID S. BRODER
National Political Correspondent
The Washington Post
Leadership Lunch, Caucus Room,
Russell Senate Office Building
Speakers: S ENATOR RICHARD DURBIN of Illinois
Assistant Democratic Leader
SENATOR MITCH McCONNELL of Kentucky
Republican Leader
Department of Justice
Speakers: R EGINA B. SCHOFIELD
Assistant Attorney General,
Office of Justice Programs
RICHARD A. HERTLING
Acting Assistant Attorney General,
Office of Legislative Affairs
Dinner, The Mayflower Hotel
Speaker: H IS EXCELLENCY NABIL FAHMY
Ambassador to the United States
The Arab Republic of Egypt
2:30 pm
6:00 pm
8:00 pm
9:00 pm
Tour of the PENTAGON
Speaker: SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ROBERT M. GATES
Lunch, The Pentagon
Speaker: S ERGEANT MAJOR WILLIAM J. GAINEY, USA
Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Tour of historic sites
IWO JIMA MEMORIAL
THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWNS,
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
Presentation of Colors and Farewell Dinner,
The Mayflower Hotel
JOINT ARMED FORCES COLOR GUARD
THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS BAND
Flag Presentation to the Student Delegates
Slide show, Dancing and Refreshments, The Mayflower Hotel
S ATURD AY, M A RC H 1 0
5:00 am
Departure Day, The Mayflower Hotel
Senator Susan Collins
(ME - 1971)
Joshua Lipman (IA)
“ Y o u ca n r e a l ly m a k e
a difference”
Senator Susan Collins of Maine, the first United States Senate Youth
Program alum to become a U.S. Senator, opened the first formal
dinner of the week with an energizing message for the delegates:
“But for this program, I don’t think I would be in the United
States Senate today. None of us got here by being cynics; your
accomplishments and commitment to excellence will take
you anywhere you wish to go.”
A USSYP Senate Co-Chair for 2007, Senator Collins then asked
the two Maine delegates to accept a framed Senate Resolution
commemorating the 45th Anniversary of the program. As author
of this special legislation, Senator Collins joked that this bill
had passed more easily than most. She continued very seriously
about the importance of bipartisanship, offering the delegates an
insider’s perspective on her work translating the 9/11 Commission
recommendations into law with her Homeland Security Committee
counterpart Senator Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut. Reflecting
on the source of her persistence she said, “I never forgot the words
of the mother of a young man who died at the World Trade Center
bombing. She asked me not to let her son’s death be in vain. The
stakes are too high to allow partisanship and point scoring to
interfere with our important work.” The Senator recalled her own
Washington Week experience in 1971 as a “pivotal turning point in
my life” where she met with her Senator Margaret Chase Smith of
Maine, the first woman to serve in both the House and the Senate.
“I left her office so proud of this powerful woman with such
integrity serving my state. It made me think that women could do
anything.” Certainly the 2007 delegates in the room felt similarly
that night inspired by the words of the woman who now occupies
Senator Chase Smith’s seat.
[ IN Th e i r ow n w o r d s ]
In Washington, I learned that we as young leaders have an obligation, not just to
our country, but to our individual citizens. My obligation is not as much to an
abstract notion of “America” as much as it is an obligation to a small group
of children in an inner-city school wanting to learn … the people most easily
forgotten. My task must be to speak up, not to hear myself, but to represent
those who need a voice.
Since I have returned to my home state of Alabama, I have said that this
program did not change my goals — I have always wanted to pursue political
office. Instead, this program empowered me for the first time to reach any
goal I wish to pursue. In the past I had viewed my ambitions as more of a dream
than a potential reality. Now, I enjoy a far more optimistic view. This change
in perspective comes directly from my opportunity to meet with the greatest
leaders of our nation, from the President to the Chief Justice to key
members of the Senate.
- S cott Gray (AL)
USSYP 2007
Joint-Armed Forces Color Guard at
Opening Ceremony
Students debate after remarks by
Senator Sanders
“ I k n ow t hat n ot a l l o f y o u w i l l
ag r e e w i t h m e b u t I wa n t y o u to
t h i n k a b o u t t h i s … ”
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) leant an independent voice to the week’s events
and provoked students into fiery debate over America’s domestic social policy
priorities. “I look at politics from an economic class perspective,” he said
“and when Congress or the President makes a decision, I ask ‘who benefits’?”
He said that a budget is a manifestation of values and that “the idea that we
have children in this country who have no health insurance is absurd.” He asked
students to think about the shrinking of the middle class, and whether access
to higher education, healthcare and prescription drugs are the rights of all. Well
after the tablecloths were pulled away, delegates continued the discussion in
a passionate roundtable interchange.
[ IN Th e i r ow n w o r d s ]
Every speaker offered insight and vision to the issues modern government faces. Of them, some
of the most riveting were those who inspired original thoughts to spark in our minds. Senator
Bernie Sanders stands out as one of the most effective speakers because long after his departure,
the room was alive with passionate debate and discussion among 104 of the nation’s best and
brightest youth. Meeting with Karl Rove, Chief Justice Roberts, and of course President Bush was
truly enlightening, for it allowed us to formulate independent perceptions of figures that the
media constantly portrays. His Excellency Nabil Fahmy increased my awareness of many world
concerns, emphasizing the phenomenal responsibility government has in formulating strong
international relations. Overall, it was most worthwhile to hear speakers who gave insight and
view into that which I was not familiar with, for sometimes it is not those who agree with us
who are most inspiring, but those who make us question the viability of our own ideals.
- Ingrid Hoenke (MI)
USSYP 2007
My week in Washington helped me grow not only in my
political views but also as a person. I was able to solidify
my own beliefs by listening to speakers and discussing their
words with students from across the country; moreover,
I grew confident in my own ability to articulate my ideas.
Gandhi wrote that “Honest disagreement is often a good
sign of progress,” and I have realized that agreement is
not necessary for friendship; rather, mutual respect is what
made my conversations with the 103 other USSYP delegates
so exciting and rewarding. The United States Senate Youth
Program gave me my voice.
- B
essie Young (NJ)
USSYP 2007
Senator Bernie Sanders
Logan Copley (AL)
S e n at e L e a d e r s h i p :
Senator Richard Durbin
Assistant Democratic Leader
C i v i l i t y, T e n ac i t y, P u r p o s e a n d C o m p ro m i s e
Senator Richard Durbin, the Assistant Democratic Leader of the Senate (also known
as the Majority Whip) enthusiastically welcomed all of the 2007 USSYP delegates
from across the nation. Senator Durbin was elected by his fellow Democratic
Senators to his leadership post, the Senate’s second highest ranking position, in
December 2006. Elected to the House of Representatives in 1983, he served there
until 1997 when he won his Senate seat. Senator Durbin’s election to leadership
marks only the fifth time in history that an Illinois Senator has served as a Senate
leader. He described his road to public service as fateful and hard fought, regaling
the students with stories of how he somewhat randomly found his first internship
on Capitol Hill in the office of then Illinois Senator Paul Douglas who mentored and
inspired him to public service. However, the young Durbin campaigned numerous
times when the outcome was not in his favor. “Never give up or lose hope if you
have the strength of your convictions,” he urged. Senator Durbin asserted that
money, fame or family connections do not guarantee a pathway to the Senate.
Rather a passionate commitment to public service and the will to campaign against
the odds are the real requirements.
Senator Mitch McConnell
Republican Leader
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, unanimously elected to the top GOP
Senate post by his Republican colleagues in November, 2006, graciously addressed
the students in an in-depth educational session on the workings of the Senate.
He began with the philosophical underpinnings designed by the Founding Fathers
saying specifically, “The Senate was the compromise in the dispute over who would
have the most power, the people or the government. The Senate was the small
state solution, with representation not linked to population size, unlike the House.”
He then explained why watching the Senate in action is sometimes as exciting as
“watching paint dry.” “The Senate is the cooling saucer that catches the boiling tea
from the House,” he quoted. Continuing the culinary metaphor, Senator McConnell
observed “if the House is the hot salsa, then the Senate is the mild salsa.” This is
because of the Senate’s capacity for unlimited debate and the use of the filibuster
which he described in detail to the attentive delegates. “Forging bipartisan
compromise is how the Senate indeed gets work done,” he said, although he noted
the media is generally less interested in the quiet civility that usually abides and
supports most legislative action.
Sean Spille (KY) and Amuna Abdow (KY)
introducing Senator McConnell
[ IN Th e i r ow n w o r d s ]
It was such an experience that the pictures and dreams
painted from the inspirations of our fellow delegates and
speakers will forever remain within our hearts and minds.
Encouraging words from the historic Senate Caucus Room
were embodied in every speaker’s tone and demeanor,
beginning with Senator McConnell. Senator Richard
Durbin challenged each USSYP delegate to fill themselves
with a curiosity for life, and an understanding of what
defines their own goals and ambitions. Presidential
Advisor Karl Rove sensed the political atmosphere in the
room, and reminded this group of future senators and
diplomats that the most important steps are needed not
in Washington, but in the home states and districts of
the participating delegates.
- S hipra Roy (MN)
USSYP 2007
The United States Senate Youth Program provides an
exceptional education experience through Washington
Week. We had the opportunity to meet accomplished
leaders and peers. Hearing from the Majority Whip
Dick Durbin was a great experience. It was amazing to
ask such an important man questions so openly. The
accommodations are superb. We knew it was a good
trip once people started saying “Oh, the Senate Caucus
Room again.” The other delegates were all very bright,
outgoing students. Meeting those peers was one of the
best parts of the program. We were constantly sharing
ideas on how to lead student government and I know
I learned a lot. Since returning to my school, I have
already implemented some of the ideas I heard from
other delegates.
Nicholas Hanson (IL) and Lian States (IL)
with Senator Durbin
- J osh Lipman (IA)
USSYP 2007
Of all the people we had speak to us, Senator Richard
Durbin was one of the most articulate and eloquent.
He spoke with an ease and grace that I’m sure many of
us in the audience were envious of and spoke with such
sincerity I couldn’t believe he was a politician.
- L ibby Parker (AK)
USSYP 2007
Judge Robert H. Henry
(OK - 1971)
“ F o c u s o n y o u r pa s s i o n s
b u t c u lt i vat e a r i g o ro u s ,
a n a ly t i ca l m i n d ”
The United States Supreme Court was the site of intensive
discussion between the student delegates and Chief Justice
John Roberts on a wide range of subjects from the overarching
principle of the rule of law as applied in America versus other
nations to career advice for many in the audience who aspire to
legal careers. Justice Roberts responded to delegates’ questions
ranging from legal rights of individual and enemy combatants
during war time to opening the Supreme Court to C-SPAN-like
camera coverage. He moved fluidly from topic to topic clearly
enjoying the students’ caliber and inquisitiveness as they
strained hands-in-air to be called upon next. The delegates
received a broad historical view of the role of the Supreme
Court as well as a personal perspective from the man most
recently appointed to lead it.
Prior to their time with the Chief Justice, the students were
given a superb introduction to the Supreme Court’s history,
general procedures and the art and architecture of the
magnificent building by Court Curator Bennett Gould.
They also toured the building, constructed from 1932 – 1935,
now considered one of Washington’s architectural gems and
symbol of justice throughout the world.
Chief Justice John Roberts
Photograph by Steve Petteway, Collection of
the Supreme Court of the United States
[ IN Th e i r ow n w o r d s ]
While my ultimate dream, much like most if not all of
the other delegates, is to call a little White House
on Pennsylvania Avenue home, Chief Justice Roberts
exemplified the impact one can have on improving the
lives of American citizens and the positive influence on
the development of a more perfect union from the Court.
While I have always dreamed of arguing a case before
the Supreme Court in an attempt to defend the rights
of Americans, my time with the Chief Justice has cemented
that dream into a goal that I will make a reality in the future.
- J onathan Padilla (CA)
USSYP 2007
It’s almost still surreal to me that at only seventeen, I can
say that I’ve eaten lunch in the Senate Caucus Room, and
that I have asked a question of the Chief Justice of the
United States Supreme Court. Looking back upon it, I think
the main reason why I enjoyed the week so much was
because I didn’t only learn from brilliant politicians,
professors, or military officers that I was given a chance
to listen to. My evenings were spent having intellectual
conversations concerning public policy, literature, and
philosophy with some of the most intellectual students
in the country. I returned home with an entirely different
perspective on my school, my community, and the way
I live my own life.
- J aclyn Delligatti (NY)
USSYP 2007
[below] Karun Tilak (OK) thanking Judge Henry
D i s t i n g u i s h e d A lu m n u s O f f e r s
P e r s p e c t i v e f ro m t h e B e n ch
With humor, grace and wit, Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Robert H.
Henry, a 1971 USSYP alumnus from Oklahoma, keynoted the Washington Week
opening breakfast. Judge Henry set the tone by counseling the students to absorb
every aspect of the experience they were about to begin. “Take good notes,” he
encouraged, “and be inclusive and civil in all discussion with your fellow delegates.”
The former Oklahoma State Attorney General and former State Representative to
the Oklahoma State Legislature covered profound topics in a personal way, taking
several questions on judicial activism and the role of the Supreme Court in politics.
He created deep silence in the room when asking students to “imagine being God
for a day” and envision serving as judge in a death penalty case. The students were
riveted as he moved elegantly from the subject of moral relativism to a flawless
impersonation of John F. Kennedy during an educational anecdote about realpolitik
Washington-style. “I love it when the law and justice reach the same result, and
that happens more often than not,” said the Judge, who also recommended that
the students read Will Rogers and the New York Times Book Review. The delegates
left with a better grounding in the role of the judicial branch, and were primed and
ready for the week ahead.
[right] White House photo by Shealah Craighead
G REETIN G S FROM T H E PRESIDENT
A ND FIRST L A DY
The 2007 USSYP delegates traveled to the White House very early on
a clear and cold March morning, first to partake in a docent-led tour and
then to be greeted by President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush.
The Presidential visit took place in the beautiful State Dining Room of
the White House where the Commander in Chief surprised the students
by engaging in a gracious and impromptu question and answer session
lasting nearly half an hour.
[left] Delegates enter White House
security gate
[left] Students being addressed by Gail F. Serfaty,
distinguished Director of the State Department
Dipolmatic Reception Rooms
T r a n s f o r m at i o n a l P o l i c i e s
a n d H i s to ry C o m b i n e at Th e
D e pa rt m e n t o f S tat e
The magnificent Benjamin Franklin State Dining Room was the
venue for the Senate Youth delegates’ luncheon session with
two senior State Department officials. They described current
foreign policy issues facing the country in the context of
evolving American diplomacy in the 21st century.
Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs and State Department
spokesman Sean McCormack kicked-off the event with a charge
to the students to study history and the journey America has made
since its founding in order to be well-equipped to represent the
nation as public servants.
Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs Jeffrey T. Bergner
gave the students a broad overview of the Department’s interactions
with Congress and enumerated many of the pressing issues he
would be addressing on Capitol Hill. He recounted the subjects he
had covered in that morning’s staff meeting with Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice, giving the students a first-hand account of policy
making in action. Secretary Bergner responded to many delegate
questions on topics including relations with China, Brazil’s role in
global alternative energy production, the Six Party Talks with North
Korea, the future of the United Nations and resolving the crisis
in Darfur, Sudan. Prior to the luncheon, the students toured the
elegant diplomatic reception rooms viewing the furniture, art and
other unique historic treasures.
[left] Assistant Secretary of State for Public
Affairs and State Department Spokesman,
Sean McCormack
[below] Assistant Secretary of State for
Legislative Affairs Jeffery T. Bergner addresses
delegates in the Benjamin Franklin State
Dining Room
[ IN Th e i r ow n w o r d s ]
[left] Richard A. Hertling, Acting Assistant
Attorny General, Office of Legislative Affairs
addressing student in the Great Hall of
the Robert F. Kennedy building at the
Department of Justice
[below] Dr. David J. Danelski, Mary Lou and
George Boone Centennial Professor Emeritus,
Stanford University. Dr. Danelski, author and
Supreme Court and constitutional law expert,
also holds the Hughes-Gosset Award for
historical excellence from The Supreme Court
Historical Society
Ma i n ta i n i n g t h e
R u l e o f Law
S n a p s h ot o f L i f e i n t h e W e s t W i n g
f ro m USSYP A lu m n u s Ka r l Ro v e
Senior Advisor to the President and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove
(UT - 1969) spoke to the delegates and took many questions over a long lunch
hour in the historic Senate Caucus Room. He discussed many issues including
how he made it to Washington without a college degree, a summary of the Bush
Administration’s micro and macro economic philosophies, relations with Tehran and
Pyongyang and advice on how to run for political office and win.
“It is really important if you have an interest in politics to come here while you are
young,” Mr. Rove said of visiting Washington, “but it is also really important if
you want to stay active in politics that you go back to the state from which you
came and develop a life.” He, like other speakers during the week, counseled the
students to develop their interests and pursue their passions rather than follow
a strict life script for success. He also advised the students to hone their writing
skills by taking courses in writing, rhetoric and research. In addition to career
pointers, Mr. Rove described the atmosphere in the White House under President
Bush as one of openness and debate where the President encouraged strong
opinions from his advisors, even if the opinions were critical. Mr. Rove also shared
that he still felt awed upon entering the Oval Office. In fact, he said, “if you work
in the White House and there comes a time when you don’t feel that sense of
awe that is the moment you should leave.” No doubt many in the audience were
dreaming of testing that assumption themselves.
Senior Justice Department officials and one of the nation’s
top constitutional law scholars met with the delegates
to deepen their understanding of the nation’s paramount
legal institutions.
Regina Schofield, Assistant Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs
with Tiffany Taylor (MS) and Michelle Nguyen (MS)
[top] Karl Rove greeted by students — Sophie Jin (UT)
and David Christensen (UT)
What I was afraid of turned out to be the best part of my trip:
the difference in all of the people. I grew up thinking that
different was weird or bad but it’s beautiful and all of our
differences are what makes America the country it is. The people
I met were unique in their own ways. I learned more from talking
to my peers than I had learned in my entire life. During that
magnificent week all of us delegates became family whom I still
keep in touch with. They loved the fact that I was different and
I loved the fact that they were different. I embraced them as they
were and they embraced me as I was. When I left for home I left
realizing what America really was: a place of differences that can
offer any one a place of belonging.
- T iffany Taylor (MS)
USSYP 2007
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates
A Day at t h e P e n tag o n
Sergeant Major William J. Gainey, the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is a self-described “soldier
who wants to be where the rubber meets the road.” Charged with advising
the Chairman on issues regarding all enlisted military personnel, Sergeant
Major Gainey began with a high-energy presentation that revealed the core
motivations and values that have guided his highly decorated 33-year career.
He then engaged the delegates asking, “What makes you stand out from
others? What you stand for is who you are. You’ve got to prioritize your
life in order to be successful or attempt to be successful.” Sergeant Major
Gainey, answered many questions about the rigors of combat operations,
providing for the health and well-being of our troops and what it means to
be a professional soldier. His candid answers met with applause from the
delegates. “It is the confidence that you have as a soldier that gets you
through what you have to do,” he said in response to questions of how
young troops can be prepared to face war. “Put your game face on, but
take that fear in your stomach and use it for your benefit. Use it, don’t let
it control you. Take the confidence and the training that you have and let
it guide you and let that control you.” His presentation gave the students
insight to those who are at the heart of the United States military.
“I n holding steadfast to your honesty and integrity you set yourself apart. You make it inevitable that whatever you decide to do in life you have ahead of you a future of leadership, service and impact”
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates spoke to the students in the
Pentagon auditorium as the leader of the Department of Defense and
as an experienced university president, a position he had previously
held at Texas A&M University. “The true value of education is its ability
to help you harness your knowledge and your passion to help make
a difference in the lives of others,” he said. The students asked the
Secretary pressing questions on subjects ranging from the politicization
of the war in Iraq to the challenge of stemming opium production
in Afghanistan. Regarding the on-going debate on timetables for
American troop withdrawal from Iraq, Secretary Gates responded,
“Everyone involved in this debate, in my opinion, is a patriot trying
to do the right thing for the country, regardless of disagreements. The
debate is over how you incentivize the Iraqi government to move faster
to take responsibility for its own actions and for its own country.”
[ IN Th e i r ow n w o r d s ]
The two student delegates from the Department of Defense Education
Activity had the honor of greeting Secretary Gates and introducing and
thanking him for his time. The Secretary thanked them in turn for their
family’s military service and commitment to the nation.
[top] Sergeant Major William J. Gainey
[above] The Secretary of Defense with
David Zumbach and Kara Elder
Na feumsan vel ut vullam exerat autpat
veraessed tat.
“Words cannot express my gratitude for the scholarship
from your organization. The week I spent in Washington,
D.C. among some of the brightest students this country
has to offer has affected me greatly. The adults throughout
the week were genuinely interested in us and our futures.
The military mentors were some of the most honorable
individuals that I have ever had the privilege of interacting
with. I commend and thank all of you who made this trip
possible. While our time in D.C. flew by, the effects of our
time there will last a lifetime”
- N
icholas Hanson (IL)
USSYP 2007
[left] Ambassador Fahmy enjoying dinner
with students. [L to R] Courtney Yadoo (NY),
Samia Staehle (great grand-daughter of
William Randolph Hearst), and Joe Militello
(NASSP President)
[right] His Excellency Nabil Fahmy
[ IN Th e i r ow n w o r d s ]
It’s funny, all of us who attended USSYP 2007 are
undoubtedly good students and therefore good writers,
but when it comes to translating our experience in
Washington into words, I for one am almost at a complete
loss. What can one possibly say about the most amazing
week of life so far? Do you start with all the people
you saw, or the fact that having the opportunity to listen
to them has changed your life forever?
The Hearst Foundation gave 104 people from across the
country the opportunity to reaffirm their commitment
to community service, and to meet the people that inspired
them originally. Among these distinguished leaders were
Ambassador Nabil Fahmy of Egypt, Secretary of Defense
Robert Gates, Chief Justice John Roberts, and George
Bush, the President of the United States. To listen to these
speakers address the issues that we as political enthusiasts
are so familiar with was incredible to say the least. What
I found to be more incredible was the realization that each
of these speakers took time out of their daily schedules
to speak to a group of students. To me, this affirmed the
fact that we live in a great nation that values above all
things the education and advancement of our youth, and
ultimately that of its citizens.
- K
ylie Foster (OR)
USSYP 2007
A R i v e t i n g P e r s p e c t i v e o n L e a d e r s h i p,
Responsibility and Foreign Policy in an
E r a o f T e ch n o l o g y a n d G l o b a l i z at i o n
His Excellency Nabil Fahmy, Ambassador to the United States from the Arab Republic of Egypt, provided
the delegates with an in-depth policy discussion on the future of American leadership in the Middle East
and throughout the international arena in an increasingly complex world. Ambassador Fahmy opened
his remarks by exhorting the students to learn about other cultures directly. He said, “Because of
technology you will have less time to think and put things in context; you have to learn the context of
other cultures by interacting with people and different environments and the best way to do that is by
traveling.” He spoke of the importance of the American – Egyptian relationship by emphasizing that
“Egyptians like to say that we are the mother of the world. Egypt has a responsibility with America to
be the bridge between the modern world and the older cultures, to complete the circle in dealing with
globalization.” He spoke openly about the war in Iraq saying that “we cannot allow sectarian politics
to determine the solution; if we do that, rather than support the politics of nation states, there will
be a ripple effect in many of the countries near Iraq that will destabilize all of the Middle East.” The
Ambassador generously took many pointed questions from the students, on the Arab-Israeli peace
process, the role of faith and religion in Middle Eastern politics and how to stem extremism in developing
countries. With regard to America’s policy of supporting democracy across the world he cautioned,
“While I completely support that America would want to help establish democracy, I don’t believe it can
be exactly a western model.” Rather, the Ambassador concluded, “to succeed in promoting democracy
you have to change from trying to create to helping to create democracy, which must be done by the
people in the country and can only evolve over time.”
I n s i gh t f ro m I n s i d e t h e B e lt way
and Beyond
[above] FCC Chairman Kevin Martin
[right] Shivani Sud (NC) thanking
Chairman Martin
2 1 s t C e n t u ry T e ch n o l o g y
R e v o lu t i o n R e g u l ato r
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin J. Martin made earlymorning remarks to the delegates explaining the role of the FCC in a new era of
burgeoning and competitive communications technologies. While acknowledging
that a certain Super Bowl “wardrobe malfunction” drew a lot of attention to
the FCC, he broadened the students’ understanding of the Commission well
beyond the debate about decency in broadcasting. Chairman Martin delved into
key areas of media ownership and content provision and how the government
defines its role in protecting consumer interests while promoting vibrant
competition across dynamic new technology platforms. “It is not our job to
protect any one industry from the changes in technology that are occurring or
from the forces of competition,” he said. Ideally, he continued, “our responsibility
is to make sure that our rules are not inadvertently contributing to those problems.
That is the balance we try to protect.”
Preeminent Washington Post national political correspondent David S. Broder
addressed the students Thursday morning of Washington Week 2007. The
veteran reporter covered a broad range of topics including the role of new
technologies in political campaigning, changing perceptions of the moral and
philosophical underpinnings of American foreign policy, parallels between the
Vietnam era and the political environment in the country today. Mr. Broder
specifically focused on the recent Washington Post investigative reporting
on the failures at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center as “emblematic of
the core mission of what journalists do.” He took numerous questions from
the students, many of whom will be first-time voters in 2008, and they
clearly enjoyed their personal encounter with a man who will help inform
their choices.
David S. Broder
An unforgettable introduction was
provided by Shea Youell (VA)
Isabelle Cohen (CA)
[left] Delegate Matthew Cavedon (CT) chats
with Chief Parliamentarian of the Senate
Alan Frumin
[right] Students attempting to duplicate
fancy napkin folding at the Library of
Congress Montpelier Room
H i s to ry, P ro c e d u r e s a n d R u l e s
o f t h e S e n at e
The USSYP delegates traveled to the Russell Building’s historic Senate Caucus Room
for their first visit to the Senate during Washington Week. The Secretary
and the Chief Parliamentarian of the Senate gave the students a strong sense
of the living history of the institution, beginning with quotes from Jefferson’s
Manual of Parliamentary Procedure (printed in 1801) to descriptions of the new
Capitol Visitor Center soon to open. The ensuing discussion offered the delegates
keen insight into the complex procedures that govern this unique legislative
body, issues over which the Senate has sole authority, and typical strategies invoked
to move or block legislation.
LUN C H at t h e LIBR A RY OF C ON G RESS
“Your country needs the best and brightest minds to help to write good laws, which means
that we need you in the legislative branch.”
[middle] Secretary of the Senate Nancy Erickson
[bottom] Daniel P. Mullholan, Director of the
Congressional Research Service
Mr. Daniel P. Mullholan, Director of the Congressional Research Service provided
comprehensive information about the unique Library and research resources that
Congress relies upon to develop legislation. Mr. Mullholan spoke to the students
over lunch in the Library of Congress’ Madison Building where he described the
history and holdings of the Library of Congress, the largest library ever created.
The list of additional superlatives that characterize the Library of Congress include
that it contains the largest law library, the largest music and film collections and
the largest Spanish and Arabic libraries in the world. Indeed, half of the Library’s
collections are in languages other than English. Mr. Mullholan explained that the
breadth of these holdings “reflects the Congress’ good thinking and understanding
that,”as stated by Thomas Jefferson, ‘there is not a subject to which a Member of
Congress need not turn.’” The students gained a much deeper understanding of the
reservoir of knowledge and expertise that Congress accesses to perform its role.
ALABAMA
Senator Richard Shelby
with Scott Gray
and Logan Copley
ALABAMA
Senator Jeff Sessions
with Logan Copley
and Scott Gray
[right] Senator Patty Murray of Washington
chats with her delegates
[below] Students waiting for their Senators
to arrive
A L A SK A
Senator Ted Stevens
with Elizabeth Parker
and Peter Walsworth
A RK A NS A S
H o n o r s f r o m t h e i r S e n at o r s
Many Senators came to honor their student delegates and present them with
a $5,000 college scholarship at the 45th Anniversary USSYP annual reception
for Senators and delegates.
[middle] Senator Edward Kennedy is greeted by Foundation Directors
William Randolph Hearst III; Frank Bennack, Jr. and Anissa Balson
[above] Senator John Warner of Virginia signs his delegate’s certificate
A RK A NS A S
Senator Blanche Lambert Lincoln
with Zoe Teague
and Andrew Walchuk
C A LIFORNI A
Senator Mark Pryor
with Zoe Teague
and Andrew Walchuk
Senator Barbara Boxer
with Jonathan Padilla
and Isabelle Cohen
C OLOR A DO
C OLOR A DO
Senator Wayne Allard
with Christopher Loney
and Emily Parker
Senator Ken Salazar
with Christopher Loney
and Emily Parker
C ONNE C TI C UT
Senator Christopher Dodd
with Matthew Cavedon
and Robert Jefferies
G EORG I A
Senator Saxby Chambliss
with Joseph Davis
and Lauren Kiel
H AWA II
Senator Daniel Akaka
with Carolyn Pearce
and Francis Choe
INDI A N A
Senator Richard Lugar
with Justin Kingsolver
and Nicholas Leonard
DEL AWA RE
Senator Thomas Carper
with Noah Olson
and David Walter
G EORG I A
Senator Johnny Isakson
with Joseph Davis
and Lauren Kiel
ID A H O
Senator Larry Craig
with Hyrum Hansen
and Katrina Davis
IOWA
Senator Chuck Grassley
with Jared Greiner
and Joshua Lipman
LOUISI A N A
Senator David Vitter
with Eddie Guilbeau, IV
and Drake Konow, II
M A SS A C H USETTS
Senator Edward Kennedy (left)
and Senator John Kerry (right)
with Andrew Feldman
and Joshua Zagorsky
K A NS A S
Senator Pat Roberts
with John Kapaun
and Sarah Greenup
M A INE
Senator Olympia Snowe
with Chelsea St. Onge-May
and Samuel Inman
MINNESOTA
Senator Amy Klobuchar
with John Rasmussen
and Shipra Roy
INDI A N A
MISSISSIPPI
MISSOURI
Senator Evan Bayh
with Justin Kingsolver
and Nicholas Leonard
Senator Thad Cochran
with Michelle Nguyen
and Tiffany Taylor
Senator Christopher “Kit” Bond
with Cort VanOstran
and Rui Bao
MONTA N A
Senator Jon Tester
with Daniel Evans
and Taren Kingser
NEBR A SK A
OKL A H OM A
ORE G ON
Senator Chuck Hagel
with Evan Egger
and Peter Morrissey
Senator James Inhofe
with Karun Tilak
and Aaron Fobes
Senator Ron Wyden
with Kylie Foster
and Will Prull
NEBR A SK A
NEW H A MPS H IRE
Senator Ben Nelson
with Evan Egger
and Peter Morrissey
Senator Judd Gregg
with Matthew LaBrie
and Siobhan Hurley
NEW J ERSEY
Senator Robert Menendez
with Danielle Desaulniers
and Bessie Young
NORT H
C A ROLIN A
Senator Richard Burr
with David Zumbach,
Patrick Toomey
and Shivani Sud
NEW MEXI C O
Senator Jeff Bingaman
with Alaina Schade
and Art Chacon
O H IO
Senator George Voinovich
with Heath Ingram
and Jonathan Seok
ORE G ON
Senator Gordon Smith
with Kylie Foster
and Will Prull
R H ODE ISL A ND
PENNSYLVA NI A
Senator Robert Casey, Jr.
with Priya Vijayvargiya
and Paul Biedlingmaier, III
SOUT H D A KOTA
Senator Jack Reed (right) and
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (left)
with John Butler
and Sean DeMoranville
Senator John Thune
with Benjamin Nelson
and Jon Garrey
TENNESSEE
TENNESSEE
Senator Lamar Alexander
with Kamilla Griffin
and Kelsey Hardy
Senator Bob Corker
with Kamilla Griffin
and Kelsey Hardy
T H E OUTSTA NDIN G 2 0 0 7 MILITA RY MENTORS TE A M
TEX A S
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
with Elliot Howard
and Quincy Bland
UTA H
Senator Orrin Hatch
with David Christensen
and Sophie Jin
VERMONT
Senator Patrick Leahy
with Jason Weischedel
and Shannon Jackson
WA S H IN G TON
Senator Patty Murray
with Kara Elder,
and Michael Terrell
and Megan Crenshaw
TEX A S
Senator John Cornyn
with Elliot Howard
and Quincy Bland
UTA H
Senator Robert Bennett
with Sophie Jin
and David Christensen
VIRG INI A
Senator John Warner
with Shea Youell
and Joshua Lambert
WYOMIN G
Senator Michael Enzi
with Aaron Sinner
and Matthew Stirn
Major Stacey Taylor, USMC; Lieutenant Commander Spencer Abbot, USN; Lieutenant Marcus Mitchell, USCG;
Captain Richard Johnson, USA; Captain Keri Walker, USAF; Lieutenant Emily Bassett, USN; Lieutenant Janelle Kuroda, USN;
Captain David Bann, USMC; D e f e n s e Se c r e ta ry R o b e rt Gates ; Captain Eric McCoy, USA; Major Ray Ceralde, USA;
Captain Anthony Camilli, USAF; Major Jenise Carroll, USAF; Captain David Schulz, USA; Captain Stephenie Gosnell, USMC;
Lieutenant Paul Rose, USN; Major Cristina Fekkes, USAF
A N i gh t to Say Fa r e w e l l
Friday night, March 9, 2007, was filled with meaning and memories,
beginning with the Presentation of the Colors by the Joint Armed
Forces Color Guard and The United States Marine Corps Band.
Delegates Danielle Desaulniers and Matthew Cavedon then took
center stage to make farewell remarks before the flag folding
ceremony and presentation.
[above] Military Mentors perform flag folding ceremony
Danielle Desaulniers (NJ)
[left] The United States Marine Corps Band at the Farewell Dinner
Matthew Cavedon (CT)
DISTIN G UIS H ED
EDU C ATORS J OINED
DELE G ATES FOR
WA S H IN G TON WEEK
Senator Johnny Isakson of Georgia shakes hands with Mr. Gene Wilhoit,
Executive Director of the Council of Chief State School Officers
and Mr. Joseph A. Militello, President of the National Association of Secondary
School Principals and Principal of the Archie R. Cole Middle School in
Rhode Island (at annual Senate Reception).
R i cha r d Wa l k e r , Ph . D
Illinois State Board of Education
Principal Education Consultant
Federal Grants and Programs
L e Ra e K i n n e y
Social Studies Teacher
Presque Isle High School
Presque Isle, Maine
[below] The Vietnam Veterans Memorial
[right] Students taking in the splendor of the Capitol rotunda
in front of John Trumball’s 1826 painting, Declaration of
Independence, Collection, Architect of the Capitol
D e l e gat e s To u r e d
H i s to r i c S i gh t s i n o u r
Nat i o n ’ s C a p i ta l
[above] Lighting candles at
The Holocaust Memorial Museum
[above] The Lincoln Memorial
[left] Arlington National Cemetery
[right] The Franklin Delano
Roosevelt Memorial
[bottom] The Smithsonian Museum
of Natural History
[left] Delegates visit the Department
of Justice
[right] Enjoying time at the FDR Memorial
[below] Rare snow in March
[below] Delegates on the steps of the
Supreme Court
[bottom] How astronauts eat
[left] Students relax during informal dinner dance
C a n d i d Ph oto s f ro m Wa s h i n g to n W e e k 2 0 0 7
[ IN Th e i r ow n w o r d s ]
I could have gone to this program, not met any famous
people and still have had a great time and learning
experience, because the other delegates were so
intelligent and knowledgeable in not only politics and
government, but experienced in all aspects of life.
- J onathan Seok (OH)
USSYP 2007
We can forge a better future by realizing that,
although we may disagree on how to get there, we all
have the same dreams and visions in mind. I will never
look at others the same way after Washington Week.
I see now that, like Patrick Henry, I am not from
a state. I am from America. My leaders and their
successors, my peers, are working hard to accomplish
what they believe in, just like me. Washington Week
taught me to look at others as brothers and sisters in
America before anything else.
- M
att Cavedon (CT)
USSYP 2007
[ IN Th e i r ow n w o r d s ]
As notable as experiences such as listening to Senator Bernie Sanders,
having an audience with President Bush, and passing an hour with Supreme
Court Chief Justice John Roberts will forever be, they would not have been
nearly as extraordinary without the presence of a fantastic peer group.
From bus-ride conversations, to dinnertime chats, I quickly learned that this
program brings together only the highest caliber of student and person.
I can say with the utmost confidence that during that week I was surrounded
by tomorrow’s doctors, researchers, business executives, engineers, lawyers,
and, most importantly, public servants. I am proud to be associated with
such a fine group of people
- M
ichael Terrell (WA)
USSYP 2007
Arkansas
O f f i c i a l S e n ato r a n d s t u d e n t ro s t e r
UN i t e d S tat e s S e n at e Y o u t h P ro g r a m 2 0 0 7
Alabama
Senator
Senator
Richard Shelby
Jeff Sessions
Logan Copley
Senator
Senator
Ted Stevens
Lisa Murkowski
Elizabeth Parker
Senator
Senator
John McCain
Jon Kyl
Kathryn Murphy
Arthi Satyanarayan
Mark Pryor
Senator
Senator
Dianne Feinstein
Barbara Boxer
Senator
Senator
Wayne Allard
Ken Salazar
Senator
Senator
Christopher Dodd
Joseph Lieberman
Zoe Teague
Andrew Walchuk
Isabelle Cohen
Jonathan Padilla
Christopher Loney
Emily Parker
Matthew Cavedon
Robert Jefferies
Colorado
Peter Walsworth
A r i zo n a
Senator
Blanche Lambert Lincoln
California
Scott Gray
Alaska
Senator
Connecticut
District of
H awa i i
C o lu m b i a
Vice President
Veronica Ferrell
Heather Prigg
Richard Cheney
D e l awa r e
Senator
Senator
Joseph Biden, Jr.
Thomas Carper
Noah Olson
Senator
Senator
Bill Nelson
Mel Martinez
Rebekah Hammond
Senator
Senator
Saxby Chambliss
Johnny Isakson
Joseph Davis
Lauren Kiel
Daniel Akaka
Senator
Senator
Larry Craig
Michael Crapo
Senator
Senator
Richard Durbin
Barack Obama
Senator
Senator
Richard Lugar
Evan Bayh
Francis Choe
Carolyn Pearce
Katrina Davis
Hyrum Hansen
Nicholas Hanson
Lian States
Justin Kingsolver
Nicholas Leonard
Illinois
Joseph Walters
G e o rg i a
Senator
Daniel Inouye
I d ah o
David Walter
Florida
Senator
Indiana
I owa
Senator
Senator
Chuck Grassley
Tom Harkin
Jared Greiner
Joshua Lipman
Ka n s a s
Senator
Senator
Sam Brownback
Pat Roberts
Sarah Greenup
Senator
Mitch McConnell
Jim Bunning
Amuna Abdow
Senator
Senator
Mary Landrieu
David Vitter
Eddie Guilbeau, IV
Drake Konow, II
Senator
Olympia Snowe
Susan Collins
Senator
Senator
Barbara Mikulski
Benjamin Cardin
Senator
Senator
Edward Kennedy
John Kerry
Senator
Senator
Carl Levin
Debbie Stabenow
Samuel Inman
Chelsea St. Onge-May
Sean Dzierzanowski
Sage Snider
Andrew Feldman
Joshua Zagorsky
Ingrid Hoenke
Rich Jenkins
Ma s s ach u s e t t s
Sean Spille
Louisiana
Senator
Ma ry l a n d
John Kapaun
Kentucky
Senator
Ma i n e
M i ch i ga n
M i n n e s ota
Senator
Senator
Norm Coleman
Amy Klobuchar
John Rasmussen
Shipra Roy
Mississippi
Senator
Senator
Thad Cochran
Trent Lott
Michelle Nguyen
Senator
Christopher Bond
Claire McCaskill
Rui Bao
Senator
Senator
Max Baucus
Jon Tester
Daniel Evans
Taren Kingser
Senator
Chuck Hagel
Ben Nelson
Senator
Senator
Harry Reid
John Ensign
Senator
Senator
Judd Gregg
John Sununu
Senator
Senator
Frank Lautenberg
Robert Menendez
Evan Egger
Peter Morrissey
Morgan Holmgren
Kimberly Stefonowicz
Siobhan Hurley
Matthew LaBrie
Danielle Desaulniers
Bessie Young
New Hampshire
Cort VanOstran
M o n ta n a
Senator
N e va d a
Tiffany Taylor
Missouri
Senator
Nebraska
New Jersey
New Mexico
Senator
Senator
Pete Domenici
Jeff Bingaman
Art Chacon
Oh i o
Alaina Schade
New York
Senator
Senator
Charles Schumer
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Jaclyn Delligatti
Senator
Senator
George Voinovich
Sherrod Brown
Senator
Senator
James Inhofe
Tom Coburn
Senator
Senator
Ron Wyden
Gordon Smith
Senator
Senator
Arlen Specter
Robert Casey, Jr.
Heath Ingram
Jonathan Seok
Aaron Fobes
Karun Tilak
Kylie Foster
Will Prull
Paul Biedlingmaier, III
Priya Vijayvargiya
O k l ah o m a
Courtney Yadoo
N o rt h
Oregon
C a ro l i n a
Senator
Senator
Elizabeth Dole
Richard Burr
Shivani Sud
Patrick Toomey
David Zumbach
N o rt h Da kota
Senator
Senator
Kent Conrad
Byron Dorgan
Molly Spaeth
Michael Traynor
P e n n s y lva n i a
Rh o d e I s l a n d
Senator
Senator
Jack Reed
Sheldon Whitehouse
John Butler
Sean DeMoranville
S o u t h C a ro l i n a
Senator
Senator
Lindsey Graham
Jim DeMint
William Guzick
Senator
Tim Johnson
John Thune
Jon Garrey
Senator
Senator
Lamar Alexander
Bob Corker
Kamilla Griffin
Kelsey Hardy
Senator
Kay Bailey Hutchison
John Cornyn
Senator
Senator
Orrin Hatch
Robert Bennett
Senator
Senator
Patrick Leahy
Bernard Sanders
Senator
Senator
John Warner
Jim Webb
Quincy Bland
Elliot Howard
David Christensen
Sophie Jin
Shannon Jackson
Jason Weischedel
Joshua Lambert
Shea Youell
Vermont
Benjamin Nelson
Tennessee
Senator
U tah
William McClintock
S o u t h Da kota
Senator
Texas
V i rg i n i a
T H E WILLI A M
R A NDOLP H H E A RST
FOUND ATION
Wa s h i n g to n
Paul “Dino” Dinovitz
Executive Director
Senator
Senator
Patty Murray
Maria Cantwell
Megan Crenshaw
Kara Elder
Michael Terrell
Ralph Cuomo
Foundation Treasurer
Senator
Robert Byrd
John Rockefeller, IV
Granvil George
Preston Sundin
Wisconsin
Senator
Senator
Herb Kohl
Russell Feingold
William Hochschild
Adam Sheka
Wyoming
We honor two members of the Hearst Foundations who
retired this year:
Since its inception the foundation has made contributions
to numerous hospitals, schools, colleges, art museums,
youth organizations and other charitable and educational
organizations across the nation. The United States Senate
Youth Program and the Hearst Journalism Awards Program
are the foundation’s two flagship initiatives.
W e s t V i rg i n i a
Senator
The William Randolph Hearst Foundation was established
as a non-profit philanthropic organization in 1948 with
William Randolph Hearst as the foundation’s original and
principal benefactor.
With deep
a p p r e c i at i o n
for lasting
ach i e v e m e n t
The foundation fully funds all operational aspects of
the United States Senate Youth Program, as created and
originally authorized in 1962 by Senate Resolution 324
and continued in succeeding years through unanimous
action of the Senate. The foundation also funds all
Individual undergraduate college education scholarships
awarded to the USSYP delegates as well as yearly grants
to the state departments of education to support the
selection administration.
The annual Hearst Journalism Awards Program, in
conjunction with the Association of Schools of
Journalism and Mass Communication, began in 1960 to
encourage excellence in journalism education in writing,
photojournalism, broadcast news and multimedia in
colleges and universities throughout the country. Through
the Journalism Awards Program the foundation awards
scholarships to students and financial grants to accredited
undergraduate schools of journalism.
Robert M. Frehse, Jr. served as executive director of the
Hearst Foundations for 32 successful years setting the
highest standard for excellence in charitable service. His
vision and dedication will be missed.
Rita A. Almon retired from the position of program
director for the United States Senate Youth Program
after 29 years of meticulous leadership and commitment
to youth and education. Seen here accepting a
Congressional commendation for her fine contribution,
she is flanked by Hearst Newspapers Washington Bureau
Senator
Senator
Craig Thomas
Michael Enzi
Aaron Sinner
Matthew Stirn
Chief Chuck Lewis and incoming Executive Director of
the Hearst Foundations Dino Dinovitz.
George Hearst
Phoebe A. Hearst
A Fa m i ly, A F o u n d at i o n ,
A L e gac y
The well-known progenitors of the William Randolph Hearst
Foundation did not live to see the United States Senate Youth
Program come to life in 1962.
Another such family would be hard to find — all fervent
pursuers of progress and all spectacularly successful in their
own lives.
However, each of them — father, mother and son — is an
important presence each year as the student delegates immerse
themselves in our nation’s capital and learn from its leaders.
The philanthropies of his father and mother were carried
on by their son — who gave millions of dollars to colleges,
hospitals, kindergartens, museums and social programs. In the
decade before his death, William Randolph Hearst created two
foundations which bear his name. The two foundations give
millions of dollars each year to worthy causes — of which the
United States Senate Youth Program is a shining example.
George Hearst, the mining pioneer whose skills and industry
developed the family fortune, was a United States Senator
from California. At the time of his death in 1891, he had
served four years of his six-year term.
William R. Hearst
George R. Hearst, Sr.
His wife, Phoebe Apperson Hearst, was also born on a farm
in Missouri. Over the years, through her philanthropy and
educational interests she distinguished herself as one of
America’s most accomplished women. One of her greatest
interests was the National Parent Teachers Association, which
she co-founded in 1897 with Alice McLellan Birney.
When Phoebe Apperson Hearst died, one educator said,
“Her charities were as broad as the sea and as silent as the
quiet of the night.” As the nation mourned, the federal
government issued a rare request — to lower all flags to half
staff to honor Phoebe’s “Long life of good work”.
William Randolph Hearst, their only child born in 1863, grew
to become one of the great legends of American journalism — establishing patterns of 20th Century communication as his
newspapers recorded history.
The program became an extension of the family legacy in 1962.
It was envisioned by the grandsons of George and Phoebe, sons
of William Randolph Hearst: George R. Hearst, Sr. and Randolph
A. Hearst. It was authorized by United States Senate Resolution
324, and is administered and funded by the William Randolph
Hearst Foundation.
In its 45 years, the program has brought thousands of
motivated students to Washington, returning them home
with rewarding insights into their heritage and scholarships
to further their educations. Every year the delegates depart
with lasting impressions of their week in Washington and
with new friendships forged in shared experiences with their
fellow delegates.
Randolph A. Hearst
Th e i r p r e s e n c e i s f e lt e v e ry y e a r a m o n g t h e s t u d e n t d e l e gat e s .
D i r e c to r s
William Randolph Hearst III
President
Anissa B. Balson
Frank A. Bennack, Jr.
John G. Conomikes
Richard E. Deems
Victor F. Ganzi
George R. Hearst, Jr.
John R. Hearst, Jr.
Harvey L. Lipton
Gilbert C. Maurer
Mark F. Miller
Virginia H. Randt
Paul “Dino” Dinovitz
Executive Director
Rayne Guilford
Program Director
United States Senate Youth Program
U N I T E D S TAT E S S E N AT E
Y O U T H P RO G R A M
EDUCATION • LEADERSHIP • PUBLIC SERVICE
WILLI A M r a n d o l p h h e a r s t f o u n d at i o n
90 new montgomery street, suite 1212, san francisco ca 94105
www.ussenateyouth.org
Photography by Jakub Mosur Secondary Photography by Erin Lubin Design by Catalone Design Co.