GOOD MORNING! GOOD NEWS!
Christmas came a little early this year for Bellefontaine High School senior Ben Sailors, who received a special packet in the mail Dec. 5, informing him that he had earned a prestigious honor that likely is the first for a Logan County student.
After undergoing a rigorous application process, Ben has been selected as one of two pupils in Ohio and 104 students in the country to serve as delegates for the 58th annual United States Senate Youth Program March 7 through 14.
The program includes an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C., where their activities will include interacting with the president, members of the cabinet, senators and state representatives, Supreme Court Justice members, along with other high level leadership.
“I couldn’t believe it when I checked our mail that day and received the great news,” said Ben, who serves in a number of leadership positions at his school, including National Honor Society president, Ohio Model United Nations leader for all four years of high school, marching band section leader, Quiz Bowl captain, Envirothon captain and TEAMS Engineering captain. He also plays tennis and tenor saxophone, and is a member of the United Way of Logan County Youth Allocations team.
A son of Julie and Andy Pulfer of Bellefontaine and Brandon Sailors of Dallas, Ben related that a prerequisite for the program is a student’s participation in either Buckeye Boys State, Buckeye Girls State (or similar programs in other states), or the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program. The BHS pupil participated in HOBY during the summer of 2018, and in Buckeye Boys State this past summer.
He also currently serves as a member of the Ohio Attorney General’s Board of Teen Ambassadors.
At Buckeye Boys State this year, he submitted the first part of the application for the United States Senate Youth Program. Then after being accepted for the initial round, he took an exam for the program Oct. 24, which was proctored at his school.
“The test covered all sort of interesting stuff, including past and present office holders at both the national levels and state and local levels,” Ben said. “It was taking a look at how much you know about the individuals who run our government and the functions of the government.”
This March, student delegates will hear major policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and directors of other federal agencies, as well as participate in meetings with the president and a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses will be provided by The Hearst Foundations.
At each event, the question and answer sessions are extensive, giving the students direct interaction with the speaker. The Department of Defense also provides a team of selected military officers to accompany the delegates throughout the program.
A highlight of the week is the USSYP Annual Senate Reception, where all student delegates have an opportunity to meet their U.S. senators.
“There’s just so many things you can make and do if you study chemical engineering. I really enjoy the field. Who knows, I might want to look into running for a public office one day, too.”
His gifted teacher Angie Horvath said she is also looking forward to seeing what types of opportunities Ben pursues, and how this United States Senate Youth Program will impact his future.
“He’s a well-rounded guy and his peers and classmates love him,” she said. “He puts others first and that’s what puts him at the top; he’s such a humble guy.
“He doesn’t like anyone tooting his horn, and he gets a little embarrassed. So we had to push Ben into the spotlight a little when this came about. We’re so excited for him.”