MTI Student Rejerio Burton Tapped for the United States Senate Youth Program
December 10th, 2009 by Ocala/Marion County EDC
The United States Senate Youth Program offers an annual opportunity for students to have an in-depth view of the federal government. Washington Week, as the program is called, is an intensive educational program for youth to understand the federal government and who directs it. Only two student leaders from each state are selected each year (only 104 from across the nation).
Following an intensive all day interview and evaluation process, MTI student Regerio Burton was selected as one of two students representing Florida. The selected delegates will travel to Washington D.C. in March where they will hear major policy addresses by Senators, Cabinet Members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and directors of other federal agencies. The student delegates will also meet with a Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
All transportation, hotel and meal expenses are provided by The Hearst Foundations. In addition, each delegate is awarded a $5,000 college scholarship for undergraduate studies and are encouraged to pursue coursework in history and political science.
At Marion Technical Institute, Burton is a junior enrolled in the Law and Government program and serves as president of the MTI Student Council. Burton is a native-born Ocalean and involved in many activities, including participating in Vanguard’s Navy ROTC. Burton was nominated by Mrs. Lynch, his MTI Law and Government teacher, and MTI principal, Mark Vianello. Mrs. Lynch stated, “Rejerio is an outstanding young man who will represent the state of Florida with the highest integrity. I am very proud of him and excited for this once in a lifetime opportunity.” The US Senate Youth Program is highly competitive and is merit-based. The students chosen are consistently of the highest quality in the nation. Mark Vianello, MTI principal, is very enthusiastic about Burton’s accomplishments and the school’s new law program. “This is a tremendous achievement for Rejerio and for our program, school, and community. Regerio represents our community well and is a shining example of Marion County’s youth.”
