For their sedulousness and tenaciousness, our ACP seniors, Camilla Baker, Aarav Dugar, and junior Aanya Venkat, were selected as some of the top 10 finalists in Arizona for the United States Senate Youth Program. Established in 1962 by a U.S. Senate resolution, the United States Senate Youth Program provides a unique educational opportunity for exceptional high school students who aspire to work in public service. These three were the only students from CUSD selected, making up one-third of the panel of finalists. Awarded for their outstanding work in public service, leadership, and education, as finalists, they had the incredible chance to meet with state representatives, senators, justices of the Supreme Court, and State Superintendent Tom Horne. Their dedication and hard work are an example for all of ACP to strive for. For students pursuing a career in public service, this is a compelling key point that makes students stand out as individuals who look to bring positive impacts to our society. Two of the ten finalists will be selected next month to receive a $10,000 scholarship and a one-week, fully-funded trip to the nation’s capital where the delegates will meet the President, members of the Cabinet, and numerous powerful public servants. The ACP family is overjoyed to have the pleasure of witnessing such an impactful opportunity for all three of our Knights.

I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the ACP finalists in Arizona for the United States Senate Youth Program, Camillia Baker. She is a senior at ACP and is deeply passionate about public service. Her involvement in several initiatives aimed at improving the community is commendable. Additionally, beyond her dedication to public service and academic endeavors, she figure-skates on a synchronized skating team. She is extremely thrilled to have this opportunity to share her experiences and aspirations as a finalist for the United States Senate Youth Program. I asked her what it feels like to be a finalist for this prestigious program, to which she responded, “I’m incredibly grateful to belong to a community that supports endeavors like this one. It’s genuinely humbling to stand as a representative of my school and district among the finalists for this program. I aspire to pave the way for more students from my community to pursue similar opportunities in the years to come.” This will impact her academic career because “the experience has been a powerful affirmation of my dedication to public service and academic pursuits. Interacting with state public officials and hearing their advice for young leaders was incredibly inspiring. This opportunity has broadened my perspective and instilled invaluable wisdom I’ll carry in my career pursuits. “

For Camillia, meeting with state representatives and other public servants changed her perspective on public service, given that “each public servant gave indispensable advice, although Supreme Court Justice Bolick’s perspective was especially notable. His unconventional path to becoming a justice, stating it was probably ‘one of the worst paths to take if you want to become a justice,’ challenged the notion of a prescribed route to success. His journey highlighted the notion that there’s no singular ‘right’ path to achieve a goal. As I prepare to enter college, stepping into unfamiliar territory, his words resonate with me deeply. They’ve reaffirmed my belief that navigating uncharted waters might lead to unexpected yet meaningful destinations. This insight has profoundly influenced my perspective on public service, emphasizing the value of diverse and unconventional approaches to achieving one’s aspirations.” Ultimately, she been selected as one of the two delegates from Arizona among 104 outstanding individuals selected nationwide for the Senate Youth Program. She am beyond honored and deeply grateful for the opportunity to represent our state and community and to be part of an exceptional group of 104 individuals from across the nation. The chance to participate in this program is an incredible privilege that fills her with immense gratitude and excitement.

I asked Camillia who her role model is, to which she responded, “While there are a multitude of people I love and respect, I wouldn’t say I have a single individual as a role model. Growing up as an only child with parents who immigrated to the U.S., I think I’ve learned the value of seeking advice and guidance from various sources, which is particularly why experiences such as this one where I’ve had the opportunity to talk to and hear from influential public officials are beyond meaningful for me. Rather than having one specific role model, I admire the qualities and wisdom of different people I’ve met along my journey, and their collective guidance has helped mold my aspirations and approach to life.” After college, Camillia hopes to “pursue a law degree because it serves as a cornerstone in shaping society and instigating fundamental change. Moreover, I’m considering supplementing my studies to include fields like environmental science and global policy, along with an exploration of the impact of diverse cultures on policy-making. Exploring these areas aligns with my goal of addressing pressing environmental issues from diverse perspectives, but I’m keeping an open mind as I navigate my academic and career options.”

Each individual will have their own way of making their mark in this world, as long as they believe in themselves and never give up. Students like Camillia Baker come from different backgrounds and perspectives. That does not stop them from changing the world the older they get. Our future generation holds a wide range of different mindsets that will strengthen our society as well as bring about the true meaning of what it means to be unique. These experiences that the younger generation gains from the older generation will guide future leaders to strive for the betterment of the people. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for our three United States Senate Youth Program finalists. And we look forward to witness their future accomplishments. Remember to strive for the impossible and be extraordinary.