Jennifer Kamimura, a senior at Hilo High School, and Kate Helbush, a senior at Moanalua High School, will represent Hawaii at the 58th annual United States Senate Youth Program in Washington, D.C., this March.
“This year’s delegates display strong leadership as active members in their community. We are proud to have these students represent the state in our nation’s capital,” said state Department of Education Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto. “It is an exciting opportunity for Kate and Jennifer to get a deeper understanding of the American political process and we encourage them to share their experiences with their community, school and peers.”
The U.S. Senate Youth Program is a competitive merit-based program that invites two outstanding selected students to Washington, D.C., for a weeklong study of the federal government and the people who lead it.
Student delegates attend meetings and briefings with elected officials, a Supreme Court justice, cabinet members, U.S. ambassador and senior members of the national media. In addition to the program week, each student receives a $10,000 college scholarship with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs.
Kamimura has been the president of the student association since freshman year.
She maintains a 4.0 GPA, holds the title of National Honor Society vice president, and is an active Key Club member, volunteering more than 300 hours of service to her school and community.
For more information on the program, visit http://ussenateyouth.org.