Senior Savannah Harlan was one of 104 high school students in the nation recently chosen to participate in the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). She was one of only two students selected from Utah.

As a senate delegate Savannah receives a $10,000 college scholarship and will attend an immersive leadership program with top government officials in Washington D.C. from March 4-10.

But this isn’t Savannah’s first political experience in Washington, D.C. Last summer Savannah was part of the United States Senate Youth Page program.

“I actually got to see the gun legislation, Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, being passed on the floor, which was a really cool thing because it was the first one in something like 30 years. That was pretty amazing. It definitely fueled my want to pursue this program as well.”

And that experience prompted her to further her experience with politics by applying to the USSYP.

Savannah shared how she was referred to the program by her friend and Judge Memorial’s former student body president, Kurt McLaughlin. “I really didn’t think I had a shot because it’s super competitive.”

Savannah was invited to the next stage of the application process where she gave a speech and wrote an essay. This prompted her to be selected into the program. Savannah said that being a part of Student Council and taking AP Government helped her with her application.

“I think that knowledge about government through Ms. Pugh has helped me learn a lot more about our government.” Along with that Savannah described her interest in politics and how she plans to study political science.

“I’m passionate about politics,” Savannah said. “I think the direct impact that politics has on people and how you can improve the lives of so many Americans is what led me to it. I care a lot about service and helping others.”