Student Member of the Board Selected to Represent Maryland in Senate Youth Program

January 18th, 2022

Howard County Public School System Student Member of the Board Peter Banyas has been selected to represent Maryland during the 60th annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) Washington Week, to be held March 6-9. Banyas, a Howard High School senior, is one of only two high school students selected to serve as a Maryland delegate, joining the national student delegation.

Delegates are chosen by the state departments of education on the basis of their leadership abilities, commitment to volunteer work, and outstanding academic achievement. Each year, USSYP brings top high school students – two from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity – to Washington, D.C. for an intensive week-long study of the federal government and its leaders. The program aims to provide participants with deeper insights into the American political process and instill a lifelong commitment to public service. As a delegate, Bayas will also receive a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate study.

Due to the COVID pandemic, this year’s USSYP will be held online. During the program week, the student delegates will attend online meetings and briefings with senators, President Biden, a justice of the Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies, and others.