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D.C. (NewsDakota.com) – Alyx Schmitz of Oakes will be spending a week in Washington serving as delegates for the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP).

U.S. Senators John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp made the announcement today. Schmitz will be joined by Ashlen Wright of West Fargo as they serve during the program’s 55th annual Washington Week. Over 104 delegates across the country have been selected and the event will be held March 4th through the 11th.

“Both in the classroom and in their communities, North Dakota’s students demonstrate excellence and a hard work ethic,” the senators said in a joint statement. “Alyx and Ashlen were selected to participate in the prestigious U.S. Senate Youth Program this year, and will receive scholarships, because of their outstanding efforts. They will play an important role at this weeklong program by representing our state. They will also have a chance to connect with their peers from across the U.S., while at the same time learning more about how the federal government works and what it does. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is an important part of their high school education and will serve them well throughout their lives.”

Alyx Schmitz attends Oakes High School and serves as the Student Body president. She serves as the secretary for the Southeast Region Career and Technology Center Advisory Committee.

She was selected as a 2016 Girls Nation senator, a North Dakota ambassador to the National Student Leadership Summit, and North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA) Distinguished Student runner-up. Schmitz is involved in varsity track and field, basketball, volleyball, choir, band, her church youth group and several other community volunteer organizations. She hopes to secure an internship with a North Dakota senator, practice law and run for elected office.

This year’s delegates were designated by Ms. Kirsten K. Baesler, Superintendent of Public Instruction.