Two students from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) are making history by being selected to serve as delegates in the 2022 United States Senate Youth Program. Senior Liam Reaser and junior Jessica Ye are being recognized for their outstanding academic achievements, strong leadership skills, and dedication to a future in public service. Only two students from each state are selected each year, and this is the first time ever that both of Virginia’s student delegates are from TJHSST. 

The delegates are invited to take part in a virtual program in March, where students will hear from speakers including senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense, and directors of other federal agencies. Students will also hear a message from the president and a U.S. Supreme Court justice. Each delegate will receive a $10,000 college scholarship with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science. 

“I was genuinely fully expecting to get a rejection letter,” Liam shared. “So when I opened the email and the first line read ‘Congratulations!’ I instantly burst out yelling ‘Yes! Yes!’”

“The main reason I applied to the program in the first place is because I want to get a better understanding of the actual day-to-day work our nation's leaders do,” Liam continued. “So much attention is driven to the discord and outrage of Washington, because most of us only see heated moments turned into soundbites, not the hours upon hours spent marking up bills in committee. I want to learn more about all that time in committee.”

“It was definitely surprising!” Jessica said, describing the moment she found out she had been selected. “I came home after dance and checked my email, completely not expecting an email to be there about the program. I was super excited.”

“I'm definitely excited to talk to the president and the Virginian senators, and to learn more about Virginia politics,” Jessica added. “I've met one of our senators before, but I'm excited to talk with them first hand. It will be super interesting to hear from the president!”

Jessica hopes to work in economic policy development one day, and she plans to study business and political science in college. Liam is considering a scholarship from the Air Force ROTC program, and he plans to study computer science and political science while in college. 

The United States Senate Youth Program was established in 1962. The application process includes submitting a video or essay on a political topic, an interview, and an in-depth exam on government, politics, and U.S. history.

Learn more about the United States Senate Youth Program.