WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King congratulated Julia Blackwell of Woolwich and Lexie Jamieson of Scarborough for being selected as Maine’s delegates to the 54^th Annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). Julia and Lexie will join 102 other students from across the country in spending a week in the nation’s capital where they will have an opportunity to study the American political process first-hand.

“I have the honor and privilege of being the first delegate to the U.S. Senate Youth Program to have been elected to the U.S. Senate,” said Senator Collins. “As a senior in high school, this incredible program strengthened my commitment to public service and gave me the opportunity to travel to Washington and meet with the legendary Senator from Maine, Margaret Chase Smith. I am so pleased that Julia and Lexie have been chosen to represent Maine in the U.S. Senate Youth Program and I look forward to meeting with them while they are in Washington, D.C.”

“The Senate Youth Program is a great way to recognize impressive young people from Maine and all across the country, and I’m delighted to congratulate Julia and Lexie on their selection this year,” said Senator King. “They have demonstrated remarkable leadership and dedication to making America a better place, and I look forward to congratulating them in person when they visit Washington in March.”

Julia Blackwell attends North Yarmouth Academy, where she serves as the Senior Class Vice President. Her extracurricular activities include Key Club and Executive Council, and she serves as captain on both the math and basketball teams. She is also involved with Girl Scouts, serving as the current national delegate for the Maine Girl Scout Council and working towards her Gold Award. She is passionate about engaging in work to help fight human trafficking and support human trafficking victims. She plans to attend Colgate University next year and pursue international relations and gender studies.

Lexie Jamieson attends Scarborough High School and currently serves as the New England and Bermuda District Governor of Key Club International. She also serves as the treasurer of the Civil Rights Club, is a member of the National Honors Society, and is involved with Seeds of Peace. She plays soccer and lacrosse, and is a member of the wind ensemble band. Lexie plans to establish a non-profit focusing on women’s rights and healthcare in developing countries. She plans to attend Bates College in the fall, where she will study anthropology or women and gender studies. 

The USSYP, founded in 1962, is fully funded by The Hearst Foundations with the goal of raising awareness among young Americans about role of the federal government and the importance of our democratic process. During their week in Washington, the students will attend meetings and briefings with Senators, Congressmen, the President, a Justice of the Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies, and an Ambassador to the United States, among others. Delegates also receive a $5,000 college scholarship to help them pursue their future endeavors.

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