Whittell High senior chosen to be student delegate in Washington

Nevada Senators Harry Reid and Dean Heller have announced that Katherine "Kate" Krolicki has been chosen to be one of 104 student delegates who will be attending the 54th annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) in Washington, D.C.

"I never thought it'd happen," Krolick said of her being selected. "It's right up my alley and I am so excited to go back to Washington."

The Whittell High School senior has worked in Washington, D.C. twice, once as page for Senator Reid in 2014, and as Senator Heller's intern in 2015.

The USSYP will be held March 5-12, 2016 and Krolicki has already been in touch with many of the other delegates. "I've been able to make connections with people with goals common to mine," she said.

To apply for the program, Kate had to submit an application with her resume and school transcript, along with writing an essay and taking a test on her political knowledge and U.S. History. She also had to write a second essay on why she should be a delegate.

Each year this extremely competitive merit-based program brings 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 profound knowledge of the American political process and a lifelong commitment to public service. In addition to the program week, The Hearst Foundations provide each student with a $5,000 undergraduate college scholarship with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs. Transportation and all expenses for Washington Week are also provided by The Hearst Foundations and no government funds are utilized.

Krolicki serves as the president of her Senior Class at Whittell, is a member of the Student Issues Committee, president of the National Honor Society and Key Club, and also leads as captain of the varsity soccer team. For the past two summers she has held a job at the Riva Grill in South Lake Tahoe and plans on working there again before heading off to college.

She has already heard from some top colleges but hasn't decided where she'll be going to school in the fall. She plans on being in the Reserved Officer Training Program (ROTC) in college and then joining the Air Force for four years upon graduation.

Kate plans on running for public office in the future, and being of service to others. She is the daughter of Brian and Kelly Krolicki. Mom Kelly is a South Tahoe High graduate, business owner and very active in the community. Dad Brian served as Nevada's State Treasurer for two terms and Lieutenant Governor from 2007 to 2015.

"I want to inspire future generations," said Kelly. "My dad has been my inspiration and has taught me a lot."