U.S. Senator Richard Shelby, R-Ala., yesterday highlighted the two 2022 Alabama delegates selected for the 60th annual U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP) – Maren Fagan of Daphne and Clara Ragan of Auburn. The students were chosen for this honor based on their academic excellence, exceptional leadership abilities, and dedication to volunteer work.
“I commend Maren Fagan and Clara Ragan on their selection for this high honor,” said Senator Shelby. “This esteemed program provides students an opportunity to gain a better understanding of how our government functions. Maren and Clara have exhibited exceptional skills and dedication in the classroom, while also showing interest in pursuing future careers in public service. I applaud them for their achievements and am confident they will both be successful in their future endeavors.”
Maren Fagan is currently a junior at Daphne High School and serves as editor in chief of the Journalism Program. As editor in chief, she manages her high school yearbook, the Palladium, and the online student newspaper, The Oracle. Maren is the president of the Daphne Chapter of Quill and Scroll International Journalism Honor Society. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, and the Math Honor Society. Maren plans to attend a university in the District of Columbia. Upon graduation, she plans to attend law school and later work as a civil and human rights lawyer.
Clara Ragan, a senior at Auburn High School, serves as president of the Diversity Council. Additionally, she serves as a Student Council representative, the Science Olympiad team captain, and marching band section leader. She secured internship positions with the Lee County District Attorney’s Office and with the Alabama Circuit Court and plans to attend Vanderbilt University to study political science and business. Upon graduation, she hopes to attend law school. Clara wants to one day be a judge or Congressional representative.
The USSYP was created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962. Two high school juniors or seniors are selected to be delegates annually from each state, including the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity. Every delegate is awarded a $10,000 college scholarship.
