WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss) today announced the selection of Luke Kelly of Moss Point and John “Peyton” Kyle of Nesbit to represent Mississippi at the 52nd annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP).

Kelly and Kyle will be among 104 high schools students from across the nation who will take part in the 2014 USSYP Washington Week, March 8-15 in Washington.

The USSYP Washington Week is an educational program that includes meetings and briefings with Senators, congressional staff, the President, a U.S. Supreme Court Justice and officials from cabinet agencies, the diplomatic corps and the media.  Each delegate is awarded a $5,000 undergraduate college scholarship from the Hearst Foundation, which funds the entire program.

“The merit-based Senate Youth Program brings exceptional young leaders to Washington.  I am pleased that Luke Kelly and Peyton Kyle will have this opportunity to learn more about our government and to interact with their peers from across the country,” Cochran said.

“This outstanding program provides a unique opportunity for high school students to meet and interact with national leaders,” Wicker said. “I commend Luke and Peyton on their selection to the US Senate Youth Program and their school and community service achievements.”

Kelly is a student at Moss Point’s East Central High School where he serves as a student council representative. He is also president of the Beta Club, the Technology Student Association and the Spanish Club.  A Class 4 cyclist, Kelly also participates in cross country and track.

Kyle, a student at DeSoto Central High School in Southaven, is president of the DCHS Interact Club, a community service organization.  Active in his school and church choirs, Kyle is also a member of the Mayor’s Youth Council and is currently a Governors Page.

Mississippi’s alternate delegates to the 2014 program are Olive Branch High School student Nathan Barron of Olive Branch and Wesley Rule of Ridgeland, who attends Jackson Academy.

The Mississippi delegates and alternates were designated by Dr. Carey Wright, Mississippi Superintendent of Education, from among students nominated by teachers and principals.

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.  No government funds are used.  Two students from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity take part in the annual program.