Peninsula Teen To Represent State In U.S. Senate Youth Program

ATHERTON, CA —Part of what Sathvik Nori loves most about being a journalist at his high school newspaper is reporting on the important accomplishments of those in his community.

Earlier this week it was Nori’s accomplishment that made news.

The Menlo-Atherton High School senior was among two California students selected this week to represent the state at the 59th annual U.S. Senate Youth Program.

Jamaal Willis of Barstow High School in San Bernardino County was the other.

“I was really excited by the opportunity and surprised that I got chosen,” Nori told Patch.

The Editor-in-Chief of The M-A Chronicle, along with Willis, will each receive a $10,000 scholarship and will participate in the March 14–18 interactive Washington Week Online event.

Funded by the Hearst Foundations, the Senate Youth Program is a weeklong educational experience for high school juniors or seniors interested in public service careers.

Students are given an opportunity to learn more about the Senate and the branches of government while attending meetings with senators, the president, a Supreme Court justice and other government officials.

Two students are selected from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced the students' names on Tuesday.

Michael Zhao of Lynbrook High School was among two alternates selected. Emma Barrosa of Glendora High School in Los Angeles County was the other.

Thurmond said in a statement that he was impressed by the students' leadership and passion.

"From advocating for racial equity and civil rights to working on mental health awareness and increasing civic engagement among their peers, these students desire to empower the disadvantaged and improve the lives of others, which fills me with great optimism for our future," Thurmond said.

Nori also serves as the youngest commissioner on the San Mateo Juvenile Justice Commission and on his school board, the Superintendent's Advisory Council, the San Mateo Youth Commission.

He is also captain of his school’s debate team.

“My interest in social justice definitely developed from seeing the inequity present in my community and wanting to attempt to address it,” Nori said.

“I love writing stories about my community and especially issues effecting youth. I love the editorial freedom in student journalism to write opinions and editorials about issues I'm passionate about.”

— Bay City News contributed to this report