Senators Richard Blumenthal and Christopher Murphy announced the names of the two students who have been selected as delegates to the 53rd annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) that will be held March 7–14 in Washington, D.C. Veronica Ma and Charles Sosnick, both of New Canaan and attending New Canaan High School, were chosen from across the state to be part of the group of 104 student delegates who will attend the program’s 53rd annual Washington Week.

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.”

In addition to the program week, The Hearst Foundations provide each student with a $5,000 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.

Veronica Ma serves as the president of the 2015 Class Student Coalition, which has allowed her to lead in various community outreach projects. She is a high honors student with specific achievement in foreign languages and the humanities. Further, she serves as president of the China Care Club, an organization providing funds and awareness for at-risk Chinese children. Veronica also follows her passions as a debater, piano teacher, and ESL teaching volunteer.

Charles Sosnick is a senior and serves as Student Body president. He is captain of the school’s Model United Nations team and co-founder of its Interfaith Dialogue Club. He is a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist and writes for the school newspaper. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys writing and performing comedy. He will be attending the University of Pennsylvania this fall.