CRLS Junior One of Two Students Selected Statewide to Represent MA in United States Senate Youth Program
The Cambridge Public Schools is delighted to announce that Cambridge Rindge and Latin School junior, Elena Serpas, will represent the state of Massachusetts as a delegate in the
United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), a comprehensive education, leadership and public service learning experience and scholarship program. Serpas is
one of only two students selected statewide by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Hearst Foundation through an extremely competitive, merit-based selection process.
“I can’t find the words to express how grateful I am to my family, friends, and teachers for emboldening me to submit my name for consideration, and encouraging me throughout the entire selection process,” said Serpas. “I am honored to represent our Massachusetts community in the Senate Youth Program, fully recognizing how this opportunity provides skill sets and experiences to build change on larger and more impactful scales. Thank you, all, for your support. It means the world to me.”
“I am so proud of Elena’s accomplishment and am grateful that she has been afforded this unique opportunity,” said Interim Superintendent Victoria L. Greer. “This is just the beginning to her excelling in leadership and service to her community. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Elena.”
Serpas will join 103 other student delegates from around the nation for a virtual week in Washington in March where they will engage in educational activities designed to deepen their understanding of the federal government and give them direct access to those who lead it. Student delegates will meet with their senators, a Supreme Court justice, mentors from the military, and a broad array of legislative changemakers. Serpas has also been awarded a $10,000 college scholarship
.
The USSYP was founded in 1962 and each year two of the highest-achieving students from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education system overseas are selected. In addition to outstanding leadership abilities and a strong commitment to volunteer work, the student delegates generally rank academically in the top one percent of their states among high school juniors and seniors.
We are incredibly proud of Elena. We extend our congratulations to her, her family and the CRLS community.