Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
A Tucumcari teen was one of two New Mexico youths who joined two U.S. senators in representing the state during the U.S. Senate Youth Program this week.
Micah Renee Lightfoot, along with Yunseo Kim of Los Alamos, were selected among New Mexico’s top student leaders to be a part of the 104-student delegation nationwide. Each also will receive a $10,000 college scholarship.
Lightfoot, a senior at Logan High School, serves as the president of the Student Body. She is a member of FFA, Student Council and National Honor Society. In FFA, she holds the office of chapter president, District II vice president and New Mexico state officer finalist. She is also her senior class president.
She has been awarded many New Mexico State FFA Public Speaking champion titles and is recognized for her service to others through school programs and independently sought opportunities.
This year’s New Mexico delegates and alternates were designated by Kurt Steinhaus, Secretary of Education. Student delegates rank academically in the top 1% of their states among high school juniors and seniors.
During program week, student delegates attend online meetings and briefings with senators, the president, a U.S. Supreme Court justice and leaders of cabinet agencies, among others.
Due to the pandemic, the 60th annual U.S. Senate Youth Program Washington Week was held online this year through a comprehensive and highly interactive virtual education and leadership forum.
The U.S. Senate Youth Program was created in 1962 and has been sponsored by the Senate and fully funded by The Hearst Foundations. The impetus for the program as stated in Senate testimony is “to increase young Americans’ understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government, learn the caliber and responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials, and emphasize the vital importance of democratic decision making not only for America but for people around the world.”