U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and David Perdue, R-Ga., today announced that two Georgia high school students have been selected as delegates to the 56^th annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) that will be held March 3 through 10, 2018, in Washington, D.C.

Kendall Chamberlain of Cumming, Ga., and Aaron Fondal of Locust Grove, Ga., were chosen in a very competitive selection process to be part of the group of 104 student delegates who will attend the program’s “Washington Week.” Each student will also receive a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate study.

While in Washington, the student delegates will attend meetings and briefings with senators, U.S. House representatives, congressional staff, the president, a justice of the Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies, an ambassador to the United States and senior members of the national media. The students will also tour many of the national monuments and several museums.

Chosen as alternates to the 2018 program were Jacob Busch of Chamblee, Ga., who attends Liberty Chamblee Charter High School, and Meredith Johns of Kennesaw, Ga., who attends Kennesaw Mountain High School.

“The students selected to participate in the U.S. Senate Youth Program are afforded a unique opportunity to learn more about their government first-hand,” said Isakson. “Both Kendall Chamberlain and Aaron Fondal, and Georgia’s alternate participants, Jacob Busch and Meredith Johns, have demonstrated the leadership qualities and interest required for this program, and I congratulate them on their selection.”

“Congratulations to Kendall Chamberlain and Aaron Fondal, and Georgia’s alternate participants, Jacob Busch and Meredith Johns on their selection for the United States Senate Youth Program,” said Senator Perdue. “Through this program, student leaders have a unique opportunity to witness the legislative process and visit our nation’s capital to learn first-hand about how our government works. We are confident you all will make Georgia proud.”

Kendall Chamberlain attends West Forsyth High School and serves as a representative to the Student Council. She was appointed chief justice for the YMCA of Georgia and the Georgia Center for Civic Engagement’s 73rd Annual Youth Assembly. Chamberlain has testified before Georgia’s Senate Rules Committee in support of a resolution recognizing Childhood Cancer Awareness Day in the state. Additionally, she has participated in and helped lead various government-related conferences and events, including the Washington Seminar and Youth Assembly. Chamberlain currently works as the Internship Program coordinator for a gubernatorial campaign and will attend Berry College next fall to pursue a law career.

Aaron Fondal attends Strong Rock Christian School and serves as the student body president. He is his school’s National Honor Society president, and he was elected as the 73rd youth governor of the YMCA of Georgia Youth Assembly/Youth in Government. In the summer of 2017, Fondal participated in the national Youth Governors Conference, a gathering of 42 youth governors from around the nation.

The chief educational officer in each state selects the delegates after nomination by teachers and principals. This year’s Georgia delegates were designated by Richard Woods, Georgia’s state superintendent of schools.

Each year this extremely competitive merit-based program brings 104 of the most outstanding 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 the people who lead it. The overall mission of the program is to help instill within each class of USSYP student delegates more in-depth knowledge of the American political process and a lifelong commitment to public service. In addition to the program week, The Hearst Foundations provide each student with a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs. Transportation and other expenses for Washington Week are also provided by The Hearst Foundations; no government funds are utilized.