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[Page S2239]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
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RECOGNIZING NORTH DAKOTA'S DELEGATES TO THE SENATE YOUTH PROGRAM
Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, one of the outstanding programs
offered in the U.S. Senate recognizes the best of America's high school
juniors and seniors. Since 1963, the U.S. Senate Youth Program has
selected two students from each State who rank high academically, excel
in leadership and volunteerism, and have a passion for public service.
They also receive a $10,000 college scholarship.
These young delegates have come to Washington, DC, every spring for a
week of education and tours highlighting all three branches of
government. Unfortunately, like so many other programs and events, this
year's trip to Washington was cancelled as our Nation faces the
coronavirus threat. This is only the second time in the program's
nearly 60 years that the delegates have not gathered in Washington for
this memorable week.
As one of the eight Senators serving on the Senate Youth Program's
Advisory Committee, I want to congratulate all who were selected to be
delegates this year and assure them we share their disappointment they
could not be with us this month. I also want to recognize North
Dakota's two delegates, Megha Bharadwaj and Rachel Goven.
Megha is a junior at St. Mary's Central High School in Bismarck. Her
leadership positions include being the State treasurer for the North
Dakota Future Business Leaders of America and a board member and
publicity director for AchieveWE. Megha has received top honors
participating in school, district, and State competitions in Voices of
Democracy, debate, speech, and Science Olympiad. In addition, she
reports for her school newspaper, sings in the jazz choir, and speaks
at community events. She plans to attend law school and enter the world
of politics.
Rachel is a senior at Turtle Lake Mercer High School, where she is
the vice president of her senior class and involved in Student Council
and National Honor Society. She attended North Dakota Girls State and
is a North Dakota rural electric cooperative youth leader. Rachel
enjoys band and choir, yearbook, cheerleading, and basketball. In her
church, she is a youth band member and camp counselor and is a willing
volunteer for other community events.
I congratulate both Megha and Rachel for receiving this honor and
welcome them to an alumni group of Senate Youth Program delegates who
are 5,500 individuals strong. Many of them have gone on to distinguish
themselves in every area of public service, including two of my
colleagues, Senator Susan Collins of Maine and Senator Cory Gardner of
Colorado. I fully expect that I will meet up with Megha and Rachel in
the future as they continue to excel in academic and professional
arenas throughout their lives.
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