Senior at FHS 1 of TN 2 for Youth Senate
According to a Knox County Schools press release, as part of the 63rd Annual Washington Week Saturday, March 1, through Saturday, March 8, Lu will travel to the nation’s capital to engage with top government officials, including senators, cabinet members and President Donald Trump.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I’m ready to take it all in,” Lu stated in the release. “I love D.C. I love government and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.”
“This elite program provides an immersive experience for outstanding high school students with aspirations in public service,” the release stated.
Lu will receive a $10,000 college scholarship, funded by The Hearst Foundations. For the senior, this achievement is “a culmination of years of dedication to civic engagement and leadership,” she stated.
“I first heard about the program as a freshman when a senior at my school was selected,” Lu further stated. “Ever since then, I had my eye on the opportunity. I’m beyond excited to represent Tennessee.”
The Senate Youth program “is among the most prestigious youth government programs in the country, with only two students selected from each state,” the press release stated.
To qualify, the release stated students must hold high-level elected or appointed leadership positions in their schools or communities and undergo a rigorous selection process, which includes multiple rounds of applications, essays and interviews testing the students’ knowledge of U.S. government and policy.
“The application process was so intense,” Lu stated. But “one of the essays focused on an issue I’m passionate about: civic engagement education for high school students. I proposed a five-pronged solution incorporating government su-pport and personal experiences in both STEM and policy.”
“Her selection reflects her commitment to public service and leadership, qualities she hopes to cultivate further during her time in Washington, D.C.,” the release stated.
“I’m looking forward to being in historic spaces, like the White House and Capitol Hill, but I’m also thrilled to meet the other student delegates from across the country,” Lu stated. “We’ve already started connecting online, and I can’t wait to learn from their diverse perspectives.”
With plans to study STEM and policy in college before pursuing law school, the senior stated she seeks the opportunity as a stepping stone toward her career.
