Demopolis High’s Mullen one of two state students to receive national honor

Demopolis High School senior Tristan Mullen is set to receive a substantial scholarship along with a very unique opportunity courtesy of the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). Mullen will join Senator Richard Shelby and Senator Doug Jones in representing Alabama in the nation’s capital during the 56th annual USSYP Washington Week to be held March 3-10.

Mullen and Trussville’s Logan Cobb are the only two students in the state of Alabama to receive the honor, which includes a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate study. Mullen was selected from among the state’s top student leaders to be part of the 104-member delegation comprised of students from across the country.

The USSYP was created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962 and has been sponsored by the Senate and fully funded by The Hearst Foundations since inception. Originally proposed by Senators Kuchel, Mansfield, Dirksen, and Humphrey, 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.

Each year this extremely competitive merit-based program brings 104 of the most outstanding high school students – two form 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 profound 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 all expenses for Washington Week are also provided by The Hearst Foundations; as stipulated in S.Res.324, no government funds are utilized.

Mullen attends Demopolis High School and has served on the Student Council since his freshman year. Other leadership positions that he has held while at Demopolis High include service as the Student Council historian, co-captain of the Scholars Bowl team, president of Tiger Arts Guild and drum major the River City Blue Marching Band. He has also served as a class representative for YOUth Lead Demopolis, a youth leadership program located within Marengo County. He plans to obtain a bachelor’s degree in political science and then attend law school to become a civil rights attorney.

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. The chief state school officer for each jurisdiction confirms the final selection. This year’s Alabama delegates and alternates were designated by Mr. Ed Richardson, Interim State Superintendent of Education.

While in Washington the student delegates attend meetings and briefings with senators members of the House of Representatives, Congressional staff, the president, a justice of the Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies, an ambassador to the United State and senior members of the national media. The students will also tour many of the national monuments and several museums and they will stay at the historic Mayflower Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C.