Arkansas Senators give nod to students

U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman congratulated Jace Motley of Conway and John Williams of Paragould on being selected as Arkansas’s delegates for the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). The two students were chosen to be part of the 104 delegates who will attend the program’s 51st annual Washington Week. 

“Jace and John have demonstrated a high level of commitment and accomplishment in their schools and local communities,” Pryor said. “This program will give them an opportunity to build on their interest in politics and public service and get an up-close view of the workings of the federal government.”

“We are proud of Jace and John’s commitment to academics and their communities and hopeful this program will help to continue their drive to be leaders of the future,” Boozman said. “This is a great opportunity for these young Arkansans to experience the inner workings of the federal government and see first-hand the behind the scenes efforts to formulate policy.”

Jace Motley serves as Student Body President at Conway High School-West. Jace is a member of the National Honor Society and National Beta Club, an all-region violinist, and Spanish tutor. He has also completed the Arkansas young voter workshop, campaigned for state senate and U.S. Congressional candidates, and is active in community service projects. After graduation, Jace plans to study economics and international affairs.

John Williams attends Greene County Tech High School and serves as State 4-H ambassador. He serves on the Greene County Youth Leadership Board, Citizenship Washington Focus, Model UN, and was a delegate to Arkansas Boys State. He is also Teen Leaders Club President, FFA secretary, and a member of the Young Republicans Club and National Honor Society. John has campaigned for state Senate and U.S. Congressional candidates, advocated for hunger relief, and organized community service activities. John plans to obtain a dual degree in political science and economics.

Chosen as alternates to the 2013 program were Brandy Britton of Canehill, a student at Lincoln High School, and Savannah Skidmore of Pineville, a student at Calico Rock High School.

While in Washington, from March 9-16, 2013, the delegates will participate in a week of intensive study of our nation’s federal government. They will meet with Senators, Congressional staffers, the President, a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, leaders of cabinet agencies, a United States Ambassador, and members of the national media. The students will also tour many of the national monuments and museums. Each of the delegates will receive a $5,000 college scholarship, in addition to the all-expenses paid trip to Washington.

The U.S. Senate Youth Program allows two delegates, current high school seniors or juniors, from each state to be selected by the state’s chief education officer in cooperation with high school principals. In addition to outstanding leadership abilities and a strong commitment to public service, the students rank academically in the top one percent of their states.