Oshkosh West High School junior, Anika Larson, has been selected to represent Wisconsin as a delegate to the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). Larson is one of only two students from Wisconsin who will participate in this year’s program and will be learning alongside 103 students from around the country. As a USSYP delegate, Larson will also receive a $10,000 college scholarship. 

The United States Senate Youth Program is an intensive week-long educational experience and scholarship sponsored by the United States Senate for outstanding high school students who are interested in pursuing careers in public service. Once a student is chosen, they attend Washington Week where they meet with U.S. congressmen and get an in-depth experience to learn the ins and outs of the federal government. This year, Washington Week will be held virtually, March 14-17, 2021.

“I am honored to be representing Wisconsin and so grateful for this opportunity,” stated Larson. It truly means the world.”

Larson is eager to learn from Cabinet members and other government officials and looks forward to getting to know other delegates. “Already I've met several, and I've been blown away by our conversations. They are some of the most thoughtful, intelligent, and inquisitive people I've ever met. It's an honor to be their peer.”

Larson serves as the vice president of the Oshkosh West Student Council and feels that research on issues of interest is the key to being able to accomplish goals. She is the co-founder of Let’s Vote Wisconsin, a youth voting initiative with a mission to empower K-12 students to become educated voters in local, state, and national elections. She is also involved in her school’s Mock Trial program, has received the Most Outstanding Attorney award three times, and coaches ten student-attorneys. In the future, she would like to work with the United Nations to achieve their 16th Sustainable Development Goal: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Larson is most interested in globalization and the intersect between refugee and healthcare systems.

“We are so proud of Anika and her incredible accomplishment,” remarked Erin Kohl, Principal of Oshkosh West High School. “Anika has worked extremely hard to be in this position. This honor, along with her involvement in our school and the greater community is a testament to her commitment to making the world a better place.”