Two seniors from University School of Nashville spent their Spring Break gaining first hand experience in the nation’s capital after being selected to represent Tennessee in the prestigious U.S. Senate Youth Program.
Binyam Dunne and Saawan Duvvuri were chosen as the state’s only delegates for the highly competitive program, joining 102 students from across the country for an intensive weeklong study of the federal government.
During their time in Washington, D.C., the students participated in policy discussions, attended major addresses by U.S. senators, and met with national leaders, offering them a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how government operates at the highest levels.
For Dunne, the experience helped sharpen his career aspirations.
“I knew that I wanted to study political science, but the Senate Youth Program helped me realize that I really want to work in diplomacy,” he said. “My favorite part of the week was getting to spend time at the Department of State and the Pentagon. It helped me see that international conflict and relationship-building is the field I want to go into.”
Duvvuri said one of the most impactful moments came during a meeting with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.
“Hearing the wisdom of Ketanji Brown Jackson while sitting at the Supreme Court enlightened me on what it means to take first steps,” he said. “As a student deeply involved in racial equality work, I have often had to believe in my vision before others could see it.”
Both students were selected by Tennessee Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds and officially appointed by The Hearst Foundations. The program brings together two student leaders from each state, along with representatives from Washington, D.C., and Department of Defense schools.
In addition to engaging with policy makers, participants were paired with military mentors, an experience Dunne described as one of the highlights of the trip.
“Each of the mentors we worked with had such fascinating stories,” he said. “We were able to form really close bonds with them, and their dedication to serve was inspiring.”
The program also provided both students with a deeper understanding of the complexities of governance and the importance of dialogue in today’s political climate.
“I learned that, yes, our world is in a polarized time, but many of our nation’s political leaders want to bridge that divide,” Dunne said.
Duvvuri added that the experience reinforced the importance of civic engagement and leadership among young people.
“It is much more fulfilling to utilize your talents to solve the world’s most pressing issues,” he said. “In America, we have an abundance of opportunities to create meaningful change.”
Dunne, who serves as student council secretary at USN, and Duvvuri, who leads a youth advisory council and founded a global education nonprofit, both plan to apply what they learned as they prepare for graduation this spring.
School officials say the students exemplify the qualities the program seeks to highlight: leadership, service and a commitment to making a difference.
As they return to Nashville, both students bring with them not only a deeper understanding of government, but a renewed sense of purpose as they look toward future careers in public service.
