Thirty-six years ago, as a senior at Caribou High School, I participated in a program that would change my life.  It is called the United States Senate Youth Program, and it is still going strong today.

Sponsored by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, the United States Senate Youth Program each year chooses two student leaders from each state to spend an educational week in Washington, D.C., experiencing their national government in action.  The student delegates meet with Senators, cabinet members, directors of federal agencies, even Supreme Court justices, and often, the President.

When I was chosen to participate in 1971, I had never flown on an airplane, been to Washington, or met a U.S. Senator, but I already had a strong interest in public service.  Both of my parents were active serving in community, state, and non-profit organizations.  And I was president of the Student Council at Caribou High School. 

This foundation of public service was greatly reinforced by my experience as a Youth Senate delegate.  One of the highlights of Washington Week is always the opportunity to meet with Senators from one’s home state. 

I was fortunate to have had the opportunity meet with a true giant of the Senate, the great Lady from Maine, Senator Margaret Chase Smith.  She was first woman to serve in both the House and the Senate, the first woman to serve on the Armed Services Committee, and the first woman to have her name entered into nomination for President by a major party.

Senator Smith was a legend, and I was so excited about meeting her. 

Our meeting lasted nearly two hours. We discussed many important issues; she answered my many questions, but what I remember most was her telling me always to stand tall for what I believed, citing her courageous speech against Senator Joseph McCarthy.

Little did I know, at the time, that one day my fellow Mainers would elect me to represent them in the U.S. Senate.  Today, I am so proud to hold the seat once held by Senator Smith.  I am also honored to be the first, and so far the only, former Senate Youth Program delegate who has gone on to serve in the U.S. Senate. 

Last year, the city of Auburn was well-represented during the week-long program. Samuel Inman and Chelsea St. Onge-May proudly represented Saint Dominic Regional High School.  Now, the Senate Youth Program has now begun its statewide selection process for another pair of outstanding Maine high school students to join 100 other delegates from each state and the District of Columbia for next year’s program.  Those chosen will spend the week of March 1st, 2008 in Washington.

I encourage all interested high school students to apply for this worthwhile program.  I can guarantee that the students who are selected will see a side of the federal government that too often gets lost in news reports that focus on conflict. Although Senators come from different parties and different parts of the country, they are united by a dedication to serving our nation.

If you are, or know, a high school junior or senior who is interested in the U.S. Senate Youth Program, contact your high school principal or Dr. Edwin Kastuck, at the Maine Department of Education, at 207-624-6776 or via email at [email protected].  The deadline for applications is October 26th.

I know that the students who participate will be impressed, as I was 36 years ago, by the importance of getting involved, of public service.  They will learn that their commitment to scholarship, leadership, and to community service will take them anywhere they want to go.

Sen. Susan Collins is Maine’s junior senator.