Ashley Billiter (12, HSU) has always been drawn to leadership and service. For her, civic engagement isn’t just an extracurricular, it’s a passion that has shaped her life. That dedication is what earned her a spot in the prestigious U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP), where she will represent Kentucky.
The USSYP is a program in Washington D.C. where delegates get to experience major government occurrences, like policy addresses from senators and cabinet members, as well as meetings with the president and a Supreme Court justice. Each student member will additionally receive a $10 thousand scholarship for undergraduate education.
On the week of March 1, Billiter and Henry Clay High School senior Peter Jefferson will represent the state at the USSYP alongside Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul. Billiter and Jefferson were chosen along with 102 other students across the country as the “most outstanding” high school students in the United States.
“While it’s really exciting to get to meet people that work in the government, meeting other young people that are the future of our nations is really great,” Billiter said.
She was originally introduced to the program by a friend and mentor, Lauren Wood. Wood was chosen for the USSYP in 2022, and graduated from Manual the following year. The two connected as members of Manual’s Y-Club, where they both participated in Kentucky Youth Assembly (KYA) and Kentucky United Nations Assembly (KUNA). Wood served as Governor on the Presiding Officer (PO) team as governor of KYA 2. Two years later, Billiter joined the KYA PO team as well, serving as Secretary of the Executive Cabinet.
“Being involved in mock government, like KYA and KUNA is some of the best stuff that I’ve done during high school, but getting more deeply involved in the community outside of just Manual is really important too,” Billiter said.
Billiter began community outreach at a young age volunteering at her church library. Through this experience, she realized the value of applying her passions, like reading, to her service.
She followed this principle again when creating her summer service project for National Honor Society. For her project, Billiter visited a local elementary school and helped them revitalize their student garden, utilizing her skills and passion for gardening.
“I stay motivated to do these things because I personally enjoy them, I have a passion for it. I can also look toward my future and know this is going to help me do what I want to do,” Billiter said.
Y-Corps, a six month service-learning program, is what Billiter considers to be one of her life’s most amazing experiences. The Kentucky YMCA program involves multiple months of individual service and fundraising, culminating in a group week-long service trip, where students have the option to serve in-state or out-of-state communities.
“[Y-Corps] shifted my mindset about service, making me see it as an opportunity to connect instead of just an opportunity to change things in the world,” Billiter said.
Billiter strongly encourages any student, regardless of Y-Club involvement, to apply for Y-Corps. She also urges anyone with questions to reach out to her or someone involved in the program.
On top of her government and service involvement, Billiter is a varsity swimmer for Manual. It seems like a lot to keep track of, but she credits the swim team and coaches for being very flexible and understanding. Her love for swimming has also pushed her to continue despite her many involvements.
“I love swimming because it’s a very flexible sport, so they understand when I have a busy schedule and they have the mindset where they put academics first,” Billiter said.
From early community service at church to leadership roles and achievements, Billiter has made a profound impact on her community and the people around her. She will continue to do so in her future, striving to make a difference and connect with others.
