Stan Marciniak representing Pennsylvania in the United States Senate Youth Program

North Hills senior Stanley Marciniak was recently chosen by Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Carolyn Dumaresq to be one of two students representing the state in the United States Senate Youth Program that will be held from March 8 to 15 in Washington, D.C.

Marciniak learned of this opportunity through his involvement in the Academy for Law and Government. He wrote an essay to apply and sent it to Harrisburg. He was then notified by the Pennsylvania Academy of Student Council that he was selected as one of the ten semi-finalists in the entire state. Marciniak proceeded to go to Harrisburg in December to take an exam and interview with four high-ranking Pennsylvania officials. A few weeks later, he received a call confirming he had been selected as one of only two students in the entire state to attend this prestigious program.

During Marciniak’s trip to Washington, D.C., he will have an opportunity to meet President Barack Obama and a Supreme Court justice.  He will have the opportunity to attend meetings with different congressmen, and he will also interact with an ambassador to the United States, leaders of cabinet agencies, and the national media.

Marciniak’s trip to Washington, D.C. is not just about meeting important national figures, but it is also to help him learn and better understand the political and governmental process. That is the Senate Youth Program’s mission. As a result, he will receive a $5,000 scholarship from the Hearst Foundation to continue his education in political science and economics.

When asked about how he feels about being selected, Stan said, “It’s a tremendous honor to be selected for such a prestigious national program. I’m very humbled. Not only will I meet the president and several other important political figures, but I will also learn a lot about politics and economics. These are two subjects I take very seriously, and they are two subjects I plan on pursuing in my future. I couldn’t be more excited, and I am eager to get a taste of the political process.”

Marciniak is no stranger to politics. He has been class president every year of high school, and he is current president of the National Honor Society. He has also been involved in several volunteering efforts in the school and around the community. These efforts include organizing food and blood drives and helping out with the Special Olympics.

Marciniak continues to make a difference in the community and has been slowly gaining recognition statewide and even nationwide. Stan endeavors to become President of the United States, and with all of the accomplishments he has achieved, that goal may be within reach.