ATLANTA (March 17, 2009) – State Sen. Jeff Chapman (R-Brunswick) recently recognized Wells Ellenberg, a Frederica Academy student, for being chosen to participate in the 47th Annual United States Senate Youth Program held March 7-14, 2009 in Washington, D.C. Ellenberg, a senior at the St. Simon’s academy, was chosen from hundreds of applicants to be part of the group of student delegates who attended the program’s 2009 Washington Week.
“Wells has demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities and a strong commitment to public service,” said Chapman. “He has a bright and promising future and I look forward to seeing great success from this young man.”
Wells has demonstrated his commitment to leadership by serving as student body president, yearbook business manager and editor-in-chief, honor council secretary, National Honor Society vice president, and captain of the varsity golf team. His achievement and potential have been recognized with prestigious honors from the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Daughters of the American Revolution, Congressional Youth Leadership Council, and Rotary International. This past year, Wells participated in the American Legion Boys Nation program, where he met President George W. Bush. He plans to earn a degree in political science and attend law school.
“By learning about our democracy, you can become a leader in your community and in government at any age,” added Chapman. “It is the ideas, enthusiasm and motivation of young people such as Wells Ellenberg that will drive this country successfully into the next century.”
Each year this extremely competitive merit-based program brings 104 of the most outstanding high school students to Washington for an intensive week-long study of the federal government and the people who lead it. In addition to the program week, the foundation grants each of the student delegates a $5,000 college scholarship with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs.
The U.S. Senate Youth program was created in 1962 to increase young Americans’ understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government, the caliber and responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials, and the vital importance of democratic decision making for people around the world.
Sen. Jeff Chapman represents the 3rd Senate District which includes Brantley, Camden, Charlton, Glynn and McIntosh counties. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.0045 or by e-mail at jeff.chapman@senate.ga.gov
Press Release
For Immediate Release:
March 17, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Ravae Graham, Communications Specialist
ravae.graham@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028
By Sen. Bill Heath