West Bloomfield students selected for Senate Youth Program

West Bloomfield High School students Jacob Podell and Chloe Pan have been chosen to represent Michigan as student delegates in the 51st U.S. Senate Youth Program.

U.S. Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow announced the appointments this week. The students will be among 104 from around the United States participating in intensive study of the federal government March 9-16.

While in Washington, they will attend meetings and briefings with senators and congressional staff, the president, a justice of the Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies, an ambassador to the United States and top members of the national media.

West Bloomfield High Principal Tom Shelton said he is proud of the students.

“Both Chloe and Jacob have done amazing things during their time at West Bloomfield High School,” he said.

“Having two students selected from the same school is a tremendous honor for them and for us as well. They are a shining example of the great opportunities that a West Bloomfield education can provide.”

Jacob, a senior, and Chloe also will receive $5,000 scholarships from the Hearst Foundations in the highly competitive merit-based program.

The mission of the program is to help instill within each class of student delegates a more profound knowledge of the American political process and a lifelong commitment to public service.

Transportation and all expenses for Washington Week are provided by The Hearst Foundations.

Chloe serves on the executive board of the school’s Law Club and Teen Court Program, and is a varsity debater on the school’s nationally ranked policy debate team, winning numerous first-place awards.

Her many service activities and honors include being a state champion in Chinese oratory, a delegate to the Model United Nations club, a representative on Class Council and Student Government, an intern at the 48th District Court, a student ambassador for the National Democratic Coordinating Campaign and a U.S. delegate on the International Youth Council.

An Eagle Scout, Jacob also serves on the executive boards of West Bloomfield High’s Law Club and Teen Court Program. He is considering a career in government or public service based on his efforts in 2011 volunteering for Bright Beginnings Daycare in Washington, D.C., and lobbying Congress for improved health care in the United States.

A member of The National Honors Society, Jacob completed an internship with a district court judge.

The youths were recommended for the honor by teachers and principals and selected by state Superintendent Michael Flanagan.

By: Diana Dillaber Murray of The Oakland Press

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