WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King met with Julia Blackwell of Woolwich and Lexie Jamieson of Scarborough, the two Maine delegates to the 54th Annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). Julia and Lexie are among the 102 students from around the country who were selected for the prestigious program and are spending this 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 it was a pleasure to meet with each of them in Washington, D.C.”

“Julia and Lexie join a long list of impressive young Mainers who have represented our state in the U.S. Senate Youth Program,” Senator King said. “The hardworking students in this program are part of the next generation of leaders, and they will help shape America’s future. With their drive and enthusiasm, I’m confident that Julia and Lexie will continue to be great representatives for the state of Maine as they build upon their already impressive resumes.”

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 health care 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 the 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.

Photo 1: Senator King with U.S. Senate Youth Program Delegates.

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