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4 MARCH 24, 2021
Waipahu High Teens Represent Hawai‘i At National Program
BY GINGER KELLER
ington, D.C. Though, this year, it was fully virtual.
this opportunity to better understand the concerns and issues in our commu- nity, state and nationally. From attending this event, I hope to form connections and relationships with oth- er amazing servant leaders and be an advocate and role model for those in my Waipahu community and Hawaiʻi.”
represent Hawaiʻi,” Valois continues. “We are the state known for its beautiful food, culture and energy. I hope to represent Hawaiʻi with pride and joy. I will always be thankful for the place that raised me to become the individual I am today. Being a part of this program is a fantastic opportunity, and I hope to make Hawaiʻi proud.”
Not too long ago, Waipa- hu High School students Hollie Rader and Ashley Valois got an email that would change their lives. Last week, the seniors joined U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono in representing Hawaiʻi at the United States Senate Youth Program.
“On the day the emails were sent, I was actually working on a scholarship application; hence, I did not check my email,” shares Rader. “Suddenly, I get a call from my college counselor, Mrs. Scudder. I thought she would scold me, but she told me to check my inbox, and I read the email ... the news finally simmered in, and everything felt so surre- al. When I showed the email to my family, they thought it was a scam, but everyone was thrilled after much ex- planation.
65+
now invited to get vaccinated.
but we’re not done yet.
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Valois’ experience, mean- while, doesn’t differ too far from her Waipahu class- mate’s.
Selected from the state’s top teen leaders, Rader and Valois met with 104 stu- dents from across the na- tion, all of whom received a $10,000 college scholar- ship. In a normal year, the program — which is an in- tensive weeklong study of the federal government and the people who lead it — would take place in Wash-
“It is truly an honor and privilege to represent Ha- waiʻi at the United States Senate Youth Program,” she continues. “I want to utilize
“I had to reread it three times before running out of my room yelling,” she says. “It was a surreal experience, and I would relive that mo- ment again.
The reason why Valois — who plans on majoring in political science — has been such a force in her local community can be traced back to a time when she saw a hen crossing the road with her little chicks in tow.
Waipahu High School’s Ashley Valois was one of two students in the state to take part in the recent United States Senate Youth Program. PHOTO COURTESY ASHLEY VALOIS
“It is a tremendous hon- or and privilege to be one of the only two delegates to
“I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was the tiny chick following my com-
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