Two Aquidneck Island students are set to represent Rhode Island in the prestigious United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) in Washington, D.C.
Ashley Murphy from Portsmouth and Landon Brentley Resendes from Middletown will join Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse for the 63rd annual USSYP Washington Week, March 1-8, 2025.
These high school seniors were selected from among Rhode Island’s top student leaders to be part of the 104-member national student delegation. During their time in D.C., they’ll attend meetings and briefings with senators, the president, a Supreme Court justice, cabinet agency leaders, and other key officials.
Each delegate receives a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate study as part of the program.
Ashley Murphy, a senior at Portsmouth High School, serves as secretary of communications for the National Honor Society. As a page at the Rhode Island House of Representatives, she has gained invaluable insight into legislative processes while serving her community. In her role as the student liaison for the Student Civics Liaison Program with the governor’s office, Ashley amplifies youth voices in state
governance, representing her community. She takes those lessons home as founder of the Politics Club at her high school. She is the captain of Portsmouth High School’s Model United Nations team, where she hones her skills in diplomacy and global affairs. In addition, she mentors peers, fostering a supportive academic environment, and serves as treasurer for the Future Business Leaders of America, demonstrating her financial acumen and organizational leadership. She plans to study government, politics, and law in college.
Landon Resendes, a senior at Middletown High School, serves as president of the Student Body fostering unity among his peers and organizing schoolwide events that promote inclusivity and school spirit. Beyond his school responsibilities, he serves as Middletown’s student representative to the School Committee, where he delivers monthly reports, advocates for student needs, and works to ensure their voices are prioritized in district-wide decisions. As president and co-captain of the mock trial team, Landon has taken on roles as both a lawyer and witness in competitions while managing the team’s finances and operations. In response to a budget-related loss of their advisor, Landon led a public campaign, including a petition of over 300 signatures, to secure a replacement. Additionally, he co-founded the MHS Computer Science Club, pioneering projects like “Tech Time with Seniors,” which provides volunteer tech support to
Middletown’s more senior residents. As co-editor-in-chief and web manager of the school newspaper, Landon spearheaded its transition to a fully digital platform, contributed dozens of articles, and recently launched Wave Weekly, a video news series for students. Beyond school, he is a project lead with the Middletown Youth Leadership Council, where he created a video series introducing residents to local government operations. After college, Landon plans to pursue a law degree and run for elected office.
The USSYP, which started in 1962, aims to inspire talented young people to see public service as a worthwhile career path. The Hearst Foundations fully fund the program, with no government money used.
Angelica Infante-Green, Rhode Island’s Commissioner of Education, made the final call on selecting the delegates and alternates.
For the 2025 program, the chosen alternates are Joshua Maynard from Warwick, who goes to Toll Gate High School, and Keaney Bayha, also from Warwick, who attends Pilgrim High School.