BLYTHEWOOD – The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) has selected Blythewood High School senior Anna Grace Kelly to represent South Carolina during the 64th annual USSYP Washington Week, to be held March 7 — 14, 2026.
Kelly was chosen from among the state’s top student leaders to join a national delegation of 104 outstanding students. As a delegate, she will participate in an intensive week-long study of the federal government, meeting with Senators, the President, a Supreme Court Justice, and other high-level officials. Additionally, she will receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship to support her future studies in government and public service.
Kelly currently serves as the National Beta Club President and holds several leadership roles at Blythewood High School, including president of the Spanish National Honor Society and captain of the girls’ cross country and track teams. She is also a mentor through the Bengal Buddies program.
Beyond her school campus, Kelly has demonstrated a deep commitment to civic engagement. She served as an intern for the Joint Citizens Legislative Committee on Children, where she organized town hall hearings, designed social media graphics, and conducted research for state legislators. She is also an appointed member of the Governor’s Future Leaders of South Carolina and an active participant in her church community.
An elite athlete, Anna is recognized as one of the top distance runners in South Carolina and has signed to run on the cross country and track teams at the College of Charleston. She says she plans to major in political science and intends to pursue a career in government to create meaningful change.
The USSYP is a competitive, merit-based program created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962. It is designed to encourage America’s most talented young people to consider careers in public service. The program is fully funded by The Hearst Foundations, and no government funds are utilized.
In addition to Kelly, student Camdyn Elise Evans of Seneca was also selected as a delegate for South Carolina. Serving as alternates to the 2026 program are Dino Barontini of Simpsonville and Maelle Wong of Lexington.
Delagates and alternates are selected by the state departments of education after nomination by teachers and principals. This year’s SC delegates and alternates were designated by Ellen E. Weaver, State Superintendent of Education.