MD Youth Senate
Jasmine Wilson '22 Managing Editor
Traditionally, administrators and adults have been responsible for making the decisions that will impact the youth. Recently, however, students have become more active participants in these decisions and have sought a say in their own lives and futures. Two students from Howard High School, seniors Peter Banyas and Lucia Denmeade, have achieved opportunities to continue this change.
Banyas has been accepted into the United States Senate Youth Program, which, according to the USSYP website, is an “intensive week-long educational experience and scholarship… for outstanding high school students who are interested in pursuing careers in public service.” Each year, two delegates from each state are appointed after various rounds of nominations in their respective regions. Throughout their participation in this program, delegates will have the opportunity to meet leaders in various levels of government during their week in Washington, D.C. Banyas hopes that he will have the opportunity to discuss both national and international issues with officials. “I’m deeply concerned about the proliferation of gerrymandering and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, so I look forward to discussing those topics with Maryland’s Senators,” he states. Banyas, who loved AP Government in sophomore year, is deeply thrilled about this opportunity and is “excited to learn directly from America’s federal leadership.”
Denmeade, on the other hand, currently serves as a page on the Maryland General Assembly. She is one of 105 student participants appointed through their applications to the Maryland General Assembly Page Program. The two-week long program gives student pages the opportunity to assist in day-to-day activities and interact with Senators and Delegates. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s program is taking place virtually via Zoom. Despite this slight setback, Denmeade is nonetheless thankful. “I feel very honored to have been picked for this position. It is very humbling to be in a room (or a Zoom call) with so many amazing, intelligent people, delegates and other pages alike. I would encourage rising juniors to look into applying for this position next year!” During her time as a page, Denmeade wants to focus on learning and making connections. “Pages don’t get too much power over policy changes, but we are able to meet with our own representatives to share our perspectives on various issues. It has been very exciting to be able to connect with people in this field.”
Rising high school juniors and seniors who are interested in these programs should reach out to Mr. Hollander, Peter Banyas or Lucia Denmeade for more information regarding these opportunities.
Banyas has been accepted into the United States Senate Youth Program, which, according to the USSYP website, is an “intensive week-long educational experience and scholarship… for outstanding high school students who are interested in pursuing careers in public service.” Each year, two delegates from each state are appointed after various rounds of nominations in their respective regions. Throughout their participation in this program, delegates will have the opportunity to meet leaders in various levels of government during their week in Washington, D.C. Banyas hopes that he will have the opportunity to discuss both national and international issues with officials. “I’m deeply concerned about the proliferation of gerrymandering and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, so I look forward to discussing those topics with Maryland’s Senators,” he states. Banyas, who loved AP Government in sophomore year, is deeply thrilled about this opportunity and is “excited to learn directly from America’s federal leadership.”
Denmeade, on the other hand, currently serves as a page on the Maryland General Assembly. She is one of 105 student participants appointed through their applications to the Maryland General Assembly Page Program. The two-week long program gives student pages the opportunity to assist in day-to-day activities and interact with Senators and Delegates. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s program is taking place virtually via Zoom. Despite this slight setback, Denmeade is nonetheless thankful. “I feel very honored to have been picked for this position. It is very humbling to be in a room (or a Zoom call) with so many amazing, intelligent people, delegates and other pages alike. I would encourage rising juniors to look into applying for this position next year!” During her time as a page, Denmeade wants to focus on learning and making connections. “Pages don’t get too much power over policy changes, but we are able to meet with our own representatives to share our perspectives on various issues. It has been very exciting to be able to connect with people in this field.”
Rising high school juniors and seniors who are interested in these programs should reach out to Mr. Hollander, Peter Banyas or Lucia Denmeade for more information regarding these opportunities.
ELLICOTT CITY, MD, 11 MARCH 2022 - Seniors Peter Banyas and Lucia Denmeade have achieved positions that will give them more perspective on government-related issues. J. WILSON/LION’S TALE