Alaskan Students Named Delegates to U.S. Senate Youth Program

Nyché Andrew, a senior at Service High School in Anchorage, and Sawyer Sands, a senior at Dillingham Middle/High School have been selected as Alaska’s delegates to the 59^th annual U.S. Senate Youth Program.

In addition to the unique learning experience, each delegate will receive a $10,000 college scholarship from The Hearst Foundations.

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.

Katherine Delker of Soldotna High School and Devin Moorehead of Thunder Mountain High School in Juneau will serve as Alaska’s alternates.

“Congratulations to Nyché, Sawyer, Katherine, and Devin,” Commissioner Michael Johnson said. “Their selection to the U.S. Senate Youth Program recognizes their community service and commitment to academic excellence.  We are thankful for this opportunity to continue developing their leadership skills.”

Nyché Andrew serves as vice-chairwoman of the Anchorage School District’s Native Advisory Committee and vice president of the National Honor Society. She advocates for Native issues in additional capacities. Saywer Sands he has served as Student Council president, National Honor Society president, a representative to the Alaska Association of Student Governments. He is a captain of the school’s basketball team.

The U.S. Senate Youth Program will be held virtually from March 14-17.

The Program recognizes high school juniors and seniors serving in student government who display outstanding leadership, academic achievement, community service, and the ability to read, write, and think clearly and effectively. The selection process is based on two essays, academic transcripts, college admission test scores, and two letters of recommendation.

Students interested in applying for the 2022 program should visit www.ussenateyouth.org.