La Vie DeHart: Ms. Detty Goes to Washington

If anyone was wondering, my youngest sister Liberty is pretty much a rock star. She is graduating in just 4 weeks, and has already won several awards and scholarships. I would say the most impressive to date is her acceptance into the Student Youth Senate Program, held every year in Washington DC. Getting into this prestigious program is definitely not easy. They only accept 2 students from each state. You have to show not only that you are academically top notch, but you have to prove excellent leadership skills. They also received a sizable scholarship at the end.

In March, she headed to DC for an entire week of schmoozing with DC's top dogs. They definitely did not spare any expense either. They had the very best chefs providing top of the line food, including filets that you can cut with a butter knife. It was estimated, that with rooming, food, flights and activities, they spent an average of $15,000 per student. HOLY COW! When the government wants to encourage America's best and brightest to go into public service, they spare no expense.

As student delegates, they were given access to the top players in Washington. Their mentors were 17 of the most exceptional military officers from each branch. They met President Obama, Justice Antonin Scalia, Christine Lagarde (Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund), Several Senators, among other big wigs.

They spent a considerable amount of time touring the city as well. They toured The White House, The Newseum, Mt Vernon, and The Capitol Building. On the last day, they visited Arlington National Cemetery. Liberty was honored with the tasked of laying the wreath during a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. So incredible!

Every night she would call and tell us everything that she did that day. It sounded so incredible. I'm so proud that she was chosen to be a part of such a prestigious trip and I couldn't think of anyone better to go. She was also the first person from our high school to ever receive such an honor. Shortly after she came home, she heard back from all of her universities and she chose where she is going to go. Starting July 1st, she will officially start at Annapolis Naval Academy! We are so incredibly proud of her!