Gildford girl goes to Washington

RUDYARD - Gildford native Hali Wei Kapperud is about five weeks away from shaking hands with Montana's U.S. senators, other legislators and the president of the United States.

Kapperud, a 17-year-old  North Star High School senior, is one of two Montanans representing the state in the nation's capital during the 56th annual United States Senate Youth Program Washington Week, held March 3 to 10.

She's excited, she said, to meet the Montana senators and the president. She said she is also curious to see how things are going in D.C., considering the recent brief government shutdown.

It was surprising to get this chance, she said, especially considering she's from a small Class C school.

She submitted an essay about future career plans and how she became interested in government and history.

"Then I submitted a digital presentation in which I talked about myself in a video for 5 minutes," Kapperud said.

Kapperud is no stranger to hard work. She is the state president of the Montana Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. She is also the council secretary-treasurer and parliamentarian for her school's Business Professionals of America and SkillsUSA. She's been selected for Honor Choir four consecutive years, has a photography business, and, as a student plays basketball and runs track and field. She was sporting a brace Wednesday on her left leg because she tore her ACL early in December during a scrimmage basketball game.

Although she has taken an interest in public policy and government - "it's an option" - Kapperud said her primary college plans are to study biomedical science or secondary education for family and consumer sciences. She's aiming for Montana State University in Bozeman, and if she is awarded the presidential scholarship, it's just about a done deal.

"Because that's a full ride," she said.

And that's another thing about being part of the youth Senate program - the $10,000 scholarship she will receive.

"It's definitely a benefit. It's really cool," she said.

The program was created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962 and has been sponsored by the Senate and fully funded by The Hearst Foundations since. The reason for the program as stated in Senate testimony is "to increase young Americans' understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government, learn the caliber and responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials, and emphasize the vital importance of democratic decision making not only for America but for people around the world."

Each year this competitive merit-based program takes 104 of the most outstanding 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. The overall mission of the program is to help instill within each class of USSYP student delegates more understanding of the American political process and a lifelong commitment to public service. In addition to the program week, The Hearst Foundations provides each student with a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs. Transportation and all expenses for Washington Week are also provided.