Burges High School senior, Catalina Gutierrez, stands out from her Texas peers as she's been selected to participate in the highly regarded United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) as a delegate representing her state. Gutierrez, alongside only one other Texas student, will take part in an immersive study of the federal government in Washington, D.C., from March 7–14, 2026. She joins a cohort of 104 student leaders from across the country to meet with distinguished members of the Senate, high-ranking officials, and Supreme Court justices.
In a week that promises to be full of engagement and eye-opening experiences, the program is to be hosted by Vice President JD Vance and U.S. Senators John Thune and Chuck Schumer. "I was very surprised when I found out," Gutierrez conveyed, as obtained by El Paso ISD. "There was so much competition for this program. To be able to interact with student leaders from across the nation and with political leaders from our government is really amazing and eye opening."
Adding to the exclusive experience is a $10,000 college scholarship funded by The Hearst Foundations. Gutierrez plans to channel this endowment into her continued education, aspiring to attend The University of Texas at Austin to major in Government and Public Policy. "I look forward to engaging with our nation's leaders and working with individuals who bring different views and perspectives on public policy," she mentioned, as per El Paso ISD, focusing on the importance of diverse political discussions. "I hope to educate myself, have those tough conversations with our leaders, and better understand the solutions our government is working toward."
Gutierrez's recognition is a testament to her extensive involvement in leadership roles at Burges High School. Serving as the Vice President of the Student Council and leading the Burges varsity swim team, she's also an active member of the school's orchestra and National Honor Society. And on the TASC State Board as a State Conference Co-Coordinator, she's helped pull together significant events with peers from across Texas. Burges High School Principal Jason Yturralde emphasized Catalina's merit, saying, "Our students continue to exceed our expectations every day. She truly deserves this honor. She represents Burges High School and El Paso ISD exceptionally well," as reported by El Paso ISD.
