U.S. Senator Katie Britt Recognizes 2024 Alabama Senate Youth Program Delegates
WASHINGTON, D.C., January 17, 2023 — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), a member of the 2024 U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP) Advisory Committee, today released a statement commending Alabama high school students Ashland Michelle Ross of Satsuma and Edward Shujie Pang of Vestavia Hills on their selection as Alabama’s USSYP representatives for this year.
The USSYP is an intensive, annual week-long educational experience and scholarship for two outstanding high school students from each state who are interested in pursuing careers in public service with the mission of providing an in-depth view of the Senate and the federal government overall.
The students will attend the 62nd annual Washington Week, March 2-9, to deepen their understanding of the federal government. During their time in our nation’s capital, delegates will have the opportunity to attend meetings and briefings with congressional members, the President, a Supreme Court justice, and leaders of cabinet agencies, among others.
Additionally, students will get the chance to meet and visit with their U.S. Senators during the program’s annual Senate reception. Senators will take photos with their student delegates for the USSYP yearbook and present and personally sign their respective delegates’ scholarship certificates.
“Ashland and Edward represent the best and brightest of our state, and I am proud they have been chosen to serve as Alabama’s USSYP delegates for 2024,” said Senator Britt. “I look forward to seeing them in our nation’s capital in March and personally congratulating them on their impressive accomplishments. This opportunity can serve as a life-changing launchpad, and I encourage these exemplary young Alabamians to continue to pursue paths of public service, excel in their studies, and lead in their communities.”
Founded by S. Res. 324 in 1962, the USSYP is sponsored and supported by the Senate and fully funded and administered by The Hearst Foundations. Each student delegate receives a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship to the college or university of their choice with encouragement to continue coursework in government and history.
Ashland Ross, a senior at Satsuma High School, serves as the president of the Student Body. She is the National Science Honor Society vice president and the Mu Alpha Theta president, a mathematics-focused Honor Society. She is also the Scholars Bowl captain, the American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation 2023 vice president, the Saraland Area Chamber of Commerce ambassador, and a member of the Junior Council with the City of Satsuma. Ashland plans to attend Georgetown University and major in public policy with a minor in political economy. Upon completion of her initial degree program, she plans to continue her education by attending law school. She will use her background in public policy to write and collaborate on legislation that will benefit her community and country.
Edward Pang, a senior at Vestavia Hills High School, serves as the vice president of the Student Government Association. He is a National Merit semifinalist, a three-time American Invitational Mathematics Examination qualifier and a national runner-up at the Council for Economic Education’s National Personal Finance Challenge. At school, he plays varsity soccer, serves as president of the Future Business Leaders of America club, and is the student life editor for the student-run newspaper. Additionally, he is captain of the Speech and Debate team, competing in events like Lincoln-Douglas Debate and Congressional Senate Debate. His awards include placing top eight in Lincoln-Douglas at Duke University and the University of Kentucky, and becoming Alabama state champion and national semifinalist in Congressional Senate Debate. Edward plans to major in public affairs with a minor in economics. His goal is to become an advocate for the issues that affect communities the most and to inspire change by serving as a voice for those without one. Upon graduation, he hopes to use his experience in economics and public policy to instill positive reform in policies ranging from budget and fiscal responsibility to healthcare management.
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