Superintendent Arntzen Announces Montana’s United States Senate Youth Program Scholarship Awardees

• Brian O'Leary
• January 12 2023

HELENA – Superintendent Arntzen announced the selection of two Montana high school students to represent Montana as delegates in the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). Lily Bre Miller, a senior at Hellgate High School in Missoula, and Alec James Wells, a junior at C.M. Russell High School in Great Falls, will join Senator Jon Tester and Senator Steve Daines in representing Montana during the 61st annual USSYP Washington Week, to be held March 4 — 11, 2023.

“We are all Montana proud of Lily and Alec as they prepare to engage with other youth leaders from around the country in Washington D.C.,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “I am strengthening our Montana graduation requirements through the addition of civics education. These young Montana leaders reflect what it means to be an active participant in our government.”

Each year the Office of Public Instruction coordinates Montana’s USSYP Scholarship. Every year, two Montana students are chosen to participate in the USSYP along with 102 other students from around the country and each student receives a $10,000 scholarship. Two alternate delegates are also chosen each year. Montana’s 2023 alternates are Victoria Newmiller, a junior at Choteau High School, and Keiran Boyle, a senior from Helena's Capital High School.

“Congratulations to Lily and Alec on being selected to represent the Treasure State in the United States Senate Youth Program,” Senator Steve Daines said. “This program helps young leaders learn about the role of the federal government, develop their skills and gain new experiences. Montana is proud to send Lily and Alec to Washington, D.C!”

“Congratulations to this year’s U.S. Senate Youth Program delegates, Lily and Alec,” said Senator Jon Tester. “Through their commitment to public service and their outstanding academic performance, these two fine Montanans reflect the best of Big Sky Country. I am honored to join them in representing Montana during USSYP Washington Week, and have no doubt they will use their experience as delegates to better our Treasure State.”  

Read more about Ms. Miller and Mr. Wells here. Montana’s 2022 USSYP delegates were Chase Casey and Melaina Springer, both from Gallatin High School.

For more information, please contact Kristen Bokovoy, USSYP Coordinator, at Kristen.bokovoy2@mt.gov.

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