Mira Costa High School senior Iktae Park was one of two California high school students selected earlier this month to represent the state in Washington D.C. at the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP).
Park received a call on Dec. 7 from California Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell, notifying him that he was chosen to be a student delegate to D.C. in the highly competitive, merit-based program designed to deepen students’ understanding of America’s political processes.
As a delegate, Park is scheduled to spend a week in D.C. with 103 other students from around the country — two from each state and D.C., all juniors or seniors — meeting with and hearing major policy addresses by federal officials from each branch of government.
“Iktae Park has demonstrated fine leadership abilities and a strong commitment to public service,” said Manhattan Beach Unified School District Superintendent Michael Matthews. “We are proud to have him represent our high school, our school district and our state as a USSYP delegate.”
Park was nominated for the award by Mira Costa High School Principal Ben Dale for his work in various state and local political campaigns and offices. He also serves as Costa’s Associated Student Body president.
Park will receive a $5,000 college scholarship for his participation in the program.
“[He] is very deserving of this honor, and I have no doubt that he will leave an indelible impression on his fellow USSYP delegates this spring,” said MBUSD Board President Bill Fournell. ER
