Bro. Martin senior gets insider’s view of D.C.

By Dylan Rhoton

In March, I was granted the opportunity to represent our state in the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), a scholarship and week of programming in Washington, D.C., established by the U.S. Senate and funded by the Hearst Foundations. The selection process included a timed civics-related essay; a description of school elective offices, honors, academic achievements, and citizenship and community involvement; the annual USSYP Public Affairs exam; and an interview through the Louisiana Department of Education.

I made this journey with high expectations for the week ahead, all of which were surpassed beyond my greatest imagination. Highlights of the trip included a luncheon in the State Department’s Diplomatic Reception Room, a formal dinner in the presence of the Constitution at the National Archives and a State of the Union watch party in the East Room of the White House.

Met movers and shakers

The program’s primary goal is to expose its delegates, two from each state, to executives of the highest caliber within the federal government. This year, we had the opportunity to speak to Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown, Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy and President Joe Biden, among others.

Their speeches and interactions were not political; rather, they opted to share insights into their passion for public service and the role of youth in our society. 

These conversations, paired with dialogue among my passionate peer delegates, reshaped how I perceive our government. From an outsider’s perspective, its bureaucratic expanse seems undeniably detached from the everyday life of citizens. However, these individuals put a face to the tradition of American democracy, humanizing the policies that affect the lives of millions every day.

Every delegate was sorted into a group and assigned a military mentor, who represented each military branch and similarly applied to be a part of the USSYP.

Common purpose

Upon arrival for our visit at Arlington National Cemetery, Captain McGurkin of the U.S. Marine Corps instructed us to write down a quote on the inside cover of our journals: “It’s not about me.”

These four words best encapsulate the breadth of wisdom I encountered during Washington Week. He explained the reverence that millions of service members, despite their characteristic diversity, live out daily as defenders of our country. I always knew – but I then truly felt – the deep respect that we owe those who came before us, and the responsibility that we have, as American citizens, to strive to lead with character and honor. 

Proud to be an American

As I embark upon my final days as a student at Brother Martin High School, I gratefully reflect on the members of our Crusader community who entrusted me with the responsibility of representing our school – and our broader Archdiocese of New Orleans – on a national level. 

I could not be prouder to wear my crimson and gold in the White House or my New Orleans lapel pin in Congress. 

I am indebted to my school and city for the conditions that have allowed me to succeed on this level.

As I head to Harvard University this fall to study government, I look ahead with the courage and confidence instilled in me these past five years with an earnest desire to effect change in our society and the sincere hope that the brightest days for our country have yet to be seen.

Dylan Rhoton, the son of Cari and Terrel Rhoton Jr., is a parishioner of Divine Mercy Church in Kenner.