An Atherton teenager is one of two high school students selected to represent California in the 59th Annual U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP), State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced this week.
Sathvik Nori, a senior at Menlo-Atherton High School, joins Barstow High senior Jamaal Willis in representing the Golden State in the program that aims to provide selected students an in-depth view of the Senate and federal government overall, along with a deeper understanding of the interrelationship of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches, according to USSYP.
“The program provides a foundation of knowledge and encouragement for those considering a future in public service on the local, state, or national level,” the program states.
Youth are nominated by a high school principal and selected by a committee from the California Dept. of Education (CDE) for their exceptional leadership skills, remarkable commitment to school and community, and scholastic achievement.
Nori, a senior at Menlo-Atherton High, serves as the only high school student and youngest Commissioner on the San Mateo Juvenile Justice Commission, and is actively engaged in his school and community as a Student Trustee for the school board, President of the Superintendent’s Advisory Council, Chair of the San Mateo Youth Commission, and Editor-in-Chief for his school’s newspaper, according to CDE.
He’s also a nationally-ranked debater, advocates for teen awareness and equity issues in politics and has received international honors, including being one out of 10 student leaders from over 1,000 candidates selected to participate in an Iraqi-Youth Exchange Program to expand civic engagement and intercultural communication.
“He hopes to explore majors in public policy or political science followed by a graduate degree in law to focus on progressive justice reforms,” the CDE said.
Nori and other student leaders in the USSYP program will each receive a $10,000 scholarship and participate this year in Washington Week Online, an interactive experience, from March 14–18.
“I could not be prouder to recognize these students for this honor. These young scholars will represent our state on a national stage, and I’m confident they will one day rise to leadership positions that help advance the dreams, aspirations, and ambitions of Californians for years to come,” Thurmond said.
