Rhode Island Students Selected for United States Senate Youth Program, $10,000 Scholarship

Published on Thursday, January 16, 2025

Washington, DC —The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) and the Rhode Island Department of Education are pleased to announce that high school students Ashley Susan Murphy and Landon Brentley Resendes will join Senator Jack Reed and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse in representing Rhode Island during the 63rd annual USSYP Washington Week, to be held March 1-8, 2025. Ashley Murphy of Portsmouth and Landon Resendes of Middletown were selected from among the state’s top student leaders to be part of the 104 national student delegation that will attend meetings and briefings with senators, the president, a justice of the Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies, and other officials throughout the week. Each delegate will also receive a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate study. 

“Congratulations to Ashley and Landon,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “Their selection as Rhode Island’s delegates for the United States Senate Youth Program is a testament to their leadership, dedication, and passion for public service. This remarkable opportunity will allow them to engage with our nation's leaders and gain invaluable insights into government and policy-making. We are proud to have them represent Rhode Island and look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the future.” 

The USSYP was founded in 1962 to encourage America’s most talented young people to consider public service as an important, life-long, and noble pursuit. As stated in founding testimony, the program strives “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." 

Each year this extremely competitive merit-based program provides two outstanding high school students from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity with an intensive week-long study of the federal government and the people who lead it. Each student will also receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs. The Hearst Foundations have fully funded the program since inception; as stipulated, no government funds are utilized. (United State Senate Resolution 324) 

Ashley Murphy, a senior at Portsmouth High School, serves as secretary of communications for the National Honor Society. As a page at the Rhode Island House of Representatives, she has gained invaluable insight into legislative processes while serving her community. In her role as the student liaison for the Student Civics Liaison Program with the governor's office, Ashley amplifies youth voices in state governance, representing her community. She takes those lessons home as founder of the Politics Club at her high school. She is the captain of Portsmouth High School’s Model United Nations team, where she hones her skills in diplomacy and global affairs. In addition, she mentors peers, fostering a supportive academic environment, and serves as treasurer for the Future Business Leaders of America, demonstrating her financial acumen and organizational leadership. She plans to study government, politics, and law in college. 

Landon Resendes, a senior at Middletown High School, serves as president of the Student Body fostering unity among his peers and organizing schoolwide events that promote inclusivity and school spirit. Beyond his school responsibilities, he serves as Middletown’s student representative to the School Committee, where he delivers monthly reports, advocates for student needs, and works to ensure their voices are prioritized in district-wide decisions. As president and co-captain of the mock trial team, Landon has taken on roles as both a lawyer and witness in competitions while managing the team’s finances and operations. In response to a budget-related loss of their advisor, Landon led a public campaign, including a petition of over 300 signatures, to secure a replacement. Additionally, he co-founded the MHS Computer Science Club, pioneering projects like “Tech Time with Seniors,” which provides volunteer tech support to Middletown’s more senior residents. As co-editor-in-chief and web manager of the school newspaper, Landon spearheaded its transition to a fully digital platform, contributed dozens of articles, and recently launched Wave Weekly, a video news series for students. Beyond school, he is a project lead with the Middletown Youth Leadership Council, where he created a video series introducing residents to local government operations. After college, Landon plans to pursue a law degree and run for elected office. 

Chosen as alternates to the 2025 program were Joshua Maynard, a resident of Warwick, who attends Toll Gate High School and Keaney Bayha, a resident of Warwick, who attends Pilgrim High School. 

Delegates and alternates are selected by the state departments of education nationwide and the District of Columbia and Department of Defense Education Activity, after nomination by teachers and principals.  

In addition to outstanding leadership abilities and a strong commitment to volunteer work, the student delegates rank academically in the top one percent of their states among high school juniors and seniors. Now more than 6,200 strong, alumni of the program continue to excel and develop impressive qualities that are often directed toward public service. For more information please visit: www.ussenateyouth.org 

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