Collins, King Meet with Maine Senate Youth Program Delegates
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King yesterday met with Caroline Baldacci of Bangor and Virginia Jewel Hugo-Vidal of Gorham, Maine’s 2018 delegates to the 56th Annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). Caroline and Virginia are among 104 students from across the country who were selected to spend a week in Washington, D.C. to get an on-the-ground experience of the federal government and political process. This year, Senator King and Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) are chairing the program.
“Caroline and Virginia are outstanding students who have demonstrated a commendable desire to give back to their communities, and I was delighted to meet with them,” said Senator Collins. “I have the honor of being the first delegate to the U.S. Senate Youth Program to have been elected to the U.S. Senate. As a senior in high school, this incredible program strengthened my commitment to public service. I am delighted that Caroline and Virginia will have this opportunity to develop their leadership skills and learn about our legislative process firsthand.”
“The Senate Youth Program is a great opportunity for young people from Maine and across the country to learn firsthand about our nation’s history and engage with federal policymakers,” Senator King said. “Caroline and Virginia have proven themselves to be impressive young leaders, and I hope their visit to Washington will further their interest in civic engagement so they continue to give back to their communities for years to come. As this year’s co-chair, it has been an honor spending time with these dedicated students.”
Caroline Baldacci attends Bangor High School where she serves as the president of the National Honor Society, captain of the Congressional Debate Team, and a member of both the Student and Class Councils. She is also a two-time qualifier for the National Congressional Debate competition. Additionally, Caroline has volunteered for many political campaigns. She hopes to earn a degree in history or political science and pursue a career in public service.
Virginia Hugo-Vidal attends Gorham High School and serves in an appointed position to the Superintendent's Policy Focus Group. She is also an officer for her Thespian Society, Ambassadors Club, and Debate Club and participates in Model United Nations, serving as the head delegate for her school. Virginia is active in her community, volunteering in the Youth in Government Program, the Maine Youth Court, the Salmon Falls Library, and as an AP United States History tutor. Virginia hopes to pursue a degree in political science and international relations and aspires to work for the U.S. State Department after graduation.
The USSYP, founded in 1962, is fully funded by The Hearst Foundations with the goal of raising awareness among young Americans about the role of the federal government and the importance of our democratic process. During their week in Washington, from March 3-10, 2018, the students will attend meetings and briefings with Senators, Congressmen, the President, a Justice of the Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies, and an Ambassador to the United States, among others. Delegates also receive a $10,000 college scholarship to help them pursue their future endeavors.
