TORII STATION, Okinawa, Japan -- The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is happy to announce our delegates to the United States Senate Youth Program for SY 2005-06. The United States Senate Youth Program recognizes two delegates from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS). DDESS students apply through their state program.

This year, Anthony Soroka, a senior from Kadena High School in Okinawa, and Elizabeth Michael, a senior from Yokota High School in Japan, will represent DoDEA. The two alternates are Marlon Troubnikoff, a senior from Ansbach Middle/ High School in Germany, and Kaan Kadioglu, a junior from Ankara High School in Turkey.

The annual United States Senate Youth Program, established in 1962 by U.S. Senate Resolution, will be held in Washington, D. C., from March 4 - 11, 2006. Two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity will spend a week in Washington experiencing their national government in action. Delegates will hear major policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, officials for the Departments of State and Defense and directors of federal agencies, as well as participate in a meeting with a Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Each delegate will be awarded a $5,000 College Scholarship for undergraduate studies.

The William Randolph Hearst Foundation sponsors the annual United States Senate Youth Program and will pay all expenses for the Washington Week, including hotel accommodations and meals.

“Thank you to the many administrators, teachers, and counselors who encouraged students to participate and congratulations to Anthony Soroka and Elizabeth Michael.  I am particularly proud of them as this represents the first time both delegates were selected from the Pacific. Their initiative in completing the rigorous application process and commitment to success both inside and outside the classroom remains inspirational,” said Dr. Nancy Bresell, Director, DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam.