Justice Kagan visits the U.S. Senate Youth Program
SUPREME COURT JUSTICE ELANA KAGAN, second from the right, met with the JAG military mentors during her visit to the U.S. Senate Youth Program in Washington, D.C., including Air Force Capt. Velma C. Gay, right, a member of The Florida Bar, who is one of 17 Department of Defense military mentors. The USSYP was created in 1962 “to increase young Americans’ understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government, the caliber and responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials, and the vital importance of democratic decision-making not only for America but for people around the world.” Each year this competitive, merit-based program brings 104 high school students — two from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity — to Washington, D.C., for an intensive week-long study of the federal government and the people who lead it. “It was an honor to be chosen to serve in this respect, to rub shoulders with the best of our nation’s youth and the nation’s top decision makers,” said Capt. Gay. “I truly feel blessed to share my patriotism and Air Force motivation with these young adults, who hold our nation’s future in their hands.” Also pictured, from the left, are Lt. Col. Julie Huygen and Lt. Jaspreet Saini.
