#MiddletownRI High senior Landon Resendes was one of two students in Rhode Island to participate in the US Senate Youth Program in March. Landon also wins a $10,000 college scholarship through the program, which gives an inside look at Washington, DC.
MIDDLETOWN HIGH STUDENT NAMED FOR PRESTIGIOUS HONOR
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (DECEMBER 13, 2024) – Landon Resendes will represent Middletown — and the Ocean State — on a wider stage.
Recently, the Middletown High School senior was named as one of two outstanding youth delegates from Rhode Island to the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) in Washington, DC on March 1-8.
In addition to the prestigious honor and an all-expenses paid experience in the nation’s capitol, Landon will receive a $10,000 scholarship for his undergraduate college studies.
"I am humbled to have been chosen to represent the State of Rhode Island in our nation's capital. Without the support of my family and the community, this would have never been possible," Landon said. "I can't wait to take part in the United States Senate Youth Program, it's truly the honor of a lifetime."
Principal Donna Sweet agreed, saying Landon’s efforts were symbolic of the efforts and achievements seen across her Valley Road school.
“Landon is one of those students who stands out from the moment you meet him,” Sweet said. “He’s involved in everything and genuinely wants to make a positive difference. We’re all so proud of him and his amazing achievements.”
The son of Denise Tremblay-Resendes and Manuel Resendes, Landon is likely a familiar face around Middletown although he’s in high school.
Earlier this year, he was profiled by the town as the new student representative to the Middletown School Committee, a first for the school board in years. He also serves as the Student Body President, elected by his peers to represent students to the high school administration.
At the time, he spoke passionately about his desire to help others, particularly the disadvantaged. That’s because he’s seen the struggles firsthand of his older and younger brothers, who were both born profoundly deaf.
In addition to being the voice of the student body on the school board, Landon is Co-Editor-In-Chief of the school’s newspaper The Wave, President of the Mock Trial team, President and co-founder of the Middletown High Computer Science Club and was a member of the first Middletown Youth Leadership Council.
According to the USSYP, there are only two representatives selected from each of state in the country as well as the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education system overseas to serve on the exclusive panel.
The program was established in 1962 by Senate Resolution to give high school students interested in careers in public service an inside look at Washington, DC.
Eligible public and private school students are nominated in the early fall of their junior and senior years by teachers and principals.
In order to be in the running, students must hold — or have held — a student body office or another elected or appointed position in their communities and shown academic interest and aptitude in government, history and politics.
The USSYP said the selection process varies by state, but that a council of special advisors to Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Greene within the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) is responsible for making the final selection of two delegates and two alternates by Dec. 1.
The program is merit-based, highly competitive and the chosen delegates are consistently of the highest caliber in the nation, the USSYP added.
A formal announcement from USSYP is expected in mid-January, but the organization encouraged Sweet and her colleagues to share the good news about Landon now.
As part of the weeklong intense program, student delegates learn more about the US Senate and federal government as a whole. One of the aims is to see the interrelationships between the three branches of government, the legislative, judicial and executive.
In early March, Landon and his peers are expected to attend briefings and meetings with senators, the President of the United States, a Supreme Court justice, cabinet members, federal agency leaders and senior members of the national media.
USSYP said at least 17 military officers representing each of the military services and the Coast Guard serve as mentors to the students for the entire week. Those mentors are named by the Department of Defense through a competitive process and represent the longstanding partnership between the two groups.
Superintendent Billy Niemeyer applauded Landon for his hard work and said he had a bright future ahead, no matter what course he chose.
“We couldn't be prouder of Landon,” Niemeyer said. “I had an opportunity to congratulate him on this well deserved award. We’ve all seen his dedication first hand, whether participating at School Committee meetings, or running a pep rally for MHS. He is looking to create a positive and meaningful experience for all in Middletown Public Schools, and I think that makes him a terrific representative for Middletown, and Rhode Island, on the national level.”
Middletown Healthy Communities Coordinator Lori Turner said she was happy for Landon as well. He was an integral part of the youth leadership series, which gave Middletown students an up close look at the Town of Middletown.
“I’m very excited for Landon to be chosen United States Senate Youth Program,” Turner said. “As part of the inaugural Middletown Youth Leadership Council, Landon learned more about how local government works. He effectively led projects and fostered a collaborative environment on the Council. Our future is bright with young leaders with integrity like Landon who are looking to make a career in public service.”
In his typical understated fashion, Landon reiterated that without the belief of his family, teachers and others, he never would have been in the position to accept the award.
“Middletown has been a great place to grow up,” Landon said. “I still think back fondly to my days at Forest Avenue (elementary school), with Steve Ponte as principal. He was my first example of how to be a strong leader. Since then, it’s always been ingrained in me how important it is to have the right person in charge, no matter where it may be. It's incredibly exciting to see our town have a chance to be represented in a national light, and I have been chosen as a steward for that, it's truly an honor."
Document Link: https://mdl.town/NYCU-Senate
About Middletown
The Town of Middletown is a vibrant community located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.
Media Contact
Donna Sweet
Middletown High School Principal
401-846-7250
dsweet@mpsri.net