EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A Burges High School senior is joining 103 other students nationwide to participate in the prestigious United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), “earning recognition as one of the nation’s most promising young leaders,” read the news release from the El Paso Independent School District.
Catalina Gutierrez, a senior at Burges HS, is one of two students who will represent Texas at the USSYP in Washington, D.C., from March 7-14. Students will participate in an intensive study about the federal government, meeting with senators, high-ranking officials and Supreme Court justices.
“I was very surprised when I found out,” Gutierrez said. “There was so much competition for this program. To be able to interact with student leaders from across the nation and with political leaders from our government is really amazing and eye-opening.”
The program — hosted by Vice President J.D. Vance, U.S. Senators John Thune and Chuck Schumer — is to encourage American youth in civic engagement and leadership. According to the USSYP, many program alumni have gone to serve as elected officials, judges and leaders in public service.
“I have always been interested in politics since I was very little,” Gutierrez said. “It’s an honor to serve and represent both my state and my city of El Paso. I’m really grateful for the support I’ve received from El Paso ISD and my role models, especially my advisor, Ruth Bolin, who helped me grow into the leader I am today.”
In addition to participating in the USSYP, Gutierrez will receive a $10,000 scholarship, funded by the Hearst Foundations.
EPISD said Gutierrez plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin and major in government and public policy.
Gutierrez demonstrated leadership throughout her high school career at Burges. She has been active in the school’s orchestra, served as Vice President in the National Honor Society, and leads the Burges varsity swim team.
She has also served as a State Conference Co-Coordinator for the Texas Association of Student Councils, where she helped organize the annual convention hosted by EPISD schools Burges and Coronado High Schools in Arlington.
“I look forward to engaging with our nation’s leaders and working with individuals who bring different views and perspectives on public policy,” Gutierrez said. “I hope to educate myself, have those tough conversations with our leaders, and better understand the solutions our government is working toward.”
Burges High School Principal Jason Yturralde said Gutierrez’s dedication and leadership are seen both on and off campus.
“Our students continue to exceed our expectations every day,” Yturralde said. “We have always believed in Catalina, and she truly deserves this honor. She represents Burges High School and El Paso ISD exceptionally well.”
Beto Guerrero, an instructor at Burges, agreed with Yturralde and noted Gutierrez’s involvement and leadership.
“Catalina has proven to everyone that she is a natural-born leader,” Guerrero said. “She is always involved in everything on campus, and it’s only natural that she was selected for this program.”
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