Wicker, Hyde-Smith Congratulate Mississippi Students Chosen for 2022 U.S. Senate Youth Program

Madison & Rankin County Youths Will Represent State Virtually, Receive $10,000 Scholarships

January 12, 2022

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., today congratulated Emily Lauren Adcock of Madison and Vaibhavi Jayant Mahajan of Brandon on their selection to represent Mississippi at the 60th annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP).

Adcock and Mahajan are scheduled to meet Wicker and Hyde-Smith virtually as part of their participation in the 2022 USSYP Washington Week, March 6-9. Each will also receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship from the non-profit Hearst Foundations, which funds the program.

“I commend Emily and Vaibhavi for being chosen for the Senate Youth Program. It is a tremendous achievement, and I look forward to speaking with them,” Wicker said. “This event provides opportunities for extraordinary young leaders, and I am confident they will represent Mississippi well.”

“Both Emily and Vaibhavi shine in their determination, dedication, and passion for not only academics, but in student government, community service, and other extracurricular activities,” Hyde-Smith said. “I’m sure these two impressive students will represent Mississippi well, and I hope to visit with them as part of this impressive program.”

The USSYP Washington Week will include 104 student delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity.  USSYP participants will have online meetings and briefings with members of the Senate, President Biden, a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies, and the media.

Adcock, a Madison Central High School senior, is secretary of the Beta Club, and a delegate for the Mississippi Youth Legislature. She serves as president of the Jag Buddies Club, and is an active member of the National Honor Society, Women’s Empowerment Club, Advocates for Change, and the Symphonic Band. Adcock is also a National Merit semifinalist and Color Guard captain for her high school marching band.

Mahajan, a senior at Northwest Rankin High School, has served as class co-president for all four years in student government, and currently serves as president of Beta Club, National English Honor Society, and Model UN. She was also elected Secretary of State at Magnolia Girls State and was chosen as one of two Mississippi senators to Girls Nation. Mahajan is a National Merit semifinalist and has been designated an Amazing Teen by the Jackson Free Press.

Mississippi’s alternates to the 2022 program are Amy Qingqing Zhang of Starkville and Albert Bentley Curry of Brandon.

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

The USSYP was created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962. It has been sponsored by the Senate and fully funded by The Hearst Foundations since its inception. No government funds are used.