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Galion High School senior Jacob Dretzka is about to realize a dream come true after waiting four years. He will be one of 104 students from across the United States participating in the United States Senate Youth Program March 7-14 in Washington, DC.
The application process to be considered for this prestigious program was rigorous. It began when Dretzka submitted his application as a Buckeye Boys State delegate. Twenty finalists were selected from a pool of more than 300 applicants.
“To be selected as a finalist, you were required to be a class officer, have high academic standing and a strong level of involvement in the arts, politics and your community,” Dretzka said. “The finalist pool also included 20 young women who were selected from the Buckeye Girls State program, so there were a total of 40 finalists for two positions in the Senate Youth Program.”
All 40 finalists took a test specifically designed for their geographic region through their respective high school’s guidance office. Once the results were tabulated, the two highest scorers on the test were selected for the program regardless of gender.
“Since I learned of my selection, I have been working through travel arrangements and learning about the proper etiquette required for the program,” Dretzka said. “I also have to make sure I take my driver’s license because we will be visiting high security and top secret areas during our time in Washington.”
Attendees over the past two years have met the President of the United States, the Attorney General, the Secretary of State, members of Congress and other high-ranking government officials. They have also had the opportunity to visit and tour Mount Vernon, the Justice Department, the State Department, the White House and Capitol Building.
“I’m extremely excited to attend the United States Senate Youth Program,” Dretzka said. “I’ve known about the program since my freshman year, and it’s amazing to be selected after waiting four years.”
Jacob’s selection for the program is no surprise for those that know him best. He has been involved in everything from Sherrod Brown’s reelection campaign, the Galion Junior Historical Society, community recycling, the Area Agency on Aging and the Salvation Army.
“His array of activities, compared to other top-notch students in the area, is unparalleled,” high school English teacher Julie Hoffman said. “Jacob’s community outreach is admirable and is, in fact, an attribute I hold in highest esteem. And as a young Democrat, his awareness of social responsibility is, I think, what drives him. It seems to be both his focus and calling.”
Following graduation, Dretzka has his sights set on attending The Ohio State University or Georgetown University to earn his degree in economics and further pursue a law degree. Ultimately, his goal is to work in the Foreign Service for the United States State Department or run for elected office.
“My hope is that this experience will help me confirm whether or not I want to work in government,” Dretzka said. “I’m looking forward to learning about the different personalities of government officials and how they work with other people.”