Two New Hampshire students chosen for U.S. Senate Youth Program

CONCORD, NH — Today, Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut of the New Hampshire Department of Education announced the selection of two New Hampshire students to participate in the 62nd Annual U.S. Senate Youth Program – Michael Blair of Manchester Central High School and James Thibault of Winnisquam Regional High School. 

Blair and Thibault were selected by a panel of judges who evaluated the pool of top students nominated by principals throughout the state. Both students will receive a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate study, and they will represent the Granite State in an intensive, virtual study of the federal government in Washington, D.C. this coming March.

Blair, a senior at Manchester Central High School, has served as class president for the past three years. He is editor-in-chief of Central’s school newspaper and is involved with the Choose Love Movement. Using his role on the Governor’s Youth Advisory Council on Substance Misuse and Prevention, Blair utilizes positive peer pressure to advance New Hampshire’s No Safe Experience campaign and advocates against teen drug use. The three-sport athlete also serves as a student ambassador at Safe Sports where he promotes youth sports safety and healthy behaviors. A born leader, Blair understands the importance of being an active listener who wants to serve his community well.

Thibault, a senior at Winnisquam Regional High School, is chairman and education committee chair of the New Hampshire Legislative Youth Advisory Council, which he has served on for the past three years. He is also a member of the New Hampshire Governor’s Youth Advisory Council on Substance Misuse and Prevention. Earlier in his high school career, Thibault was active with school leadership organizations, but found he wanted to accomplish more to help others on a higher level. He attends school board meetings to stay informed and is often the only student there. Through the council he is on, Thibault has made connections that inspire him and advise him on how to advance his political aspirations.

“Michael and James both have a passion for politics, and I believe that this tremendous opportunity to represent New Hampshire as part of the U.S. Senate Youth Program will lead them on bright paths to public service. It will be exciting to see their future careers unfold,” said Edelblut, adding he was impressed with their academic achievements and extensive volunteer service.

The scholarships are provided by the Hearst Foundations, which has fully funded the program since its creation in 1962. More than 6,000 students have participated, including several well-known politicians. For more information, visit the U.S. Senate Youth Program website.

Colton Murphy, a senior at Hopkinton Middle-High School, and Jonathan Tudor, Jr., a senior at Newmarket Junior-Senior High School, have been chosen as alternates for this year’s program.