Carper Congratulates Delawareans Selected for U.S. Senate Youth Program

Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) met virtually with Augustus (Gus) Fadden of Frankford, and Justin Xu of Hockessin to congratulate them on being selected to represent Delaware in the United States Senate Youth Program. This is a unique and annual educational experience for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service. Two student leaders from each state spend a week in Washington experiencing their national government in action. In addition, each delegate will also be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate studies, with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science.

“I have long championed the U.S. Senate Youth Program as a wonderful opportunity for today’s students to get first-hand experience into what the U.S. Senate is like and to inspire the leaders of tomorrow,” said Senator Carper. “I’m so proud of Justin and Gus for their selection to this program, and I’m so glad I talked to them today. We bonded over our love of music and our desire to serve others in government. I know they’ll go far!”

Fadden, a senior at Indian River High School, serves as the president of his school’s National Honor Society. He has been Class president for the past two years, with the current year election pending. Gus has volunteered for 2 U.S. Senate campaigns and is founder and chairman of Sussex TeenAge RepublicanS (S.T.A.R.S.). He is vice president of Tri-M Music Honor Society, the leader of the Marching Band Low Brass/Winds Section since 2018 and performs in a gospel band. He has been a member of 6 All-County and 4 All-State Band and Choir ensembles, 1 All-Eastern Concert Band ensemble, and 2 All-National Concert Band ensembles. Gus has been in every school ensemble including Jazz Band, Baroque, Brass and Acapella Choir and Pit Orchestra nearly every eligible year. He has earned 15 awards in MCJROTC and achieved the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He is considering further education at the University of Delaware or West Chester University, or joining the military. He eventually plans to run for public office.

Xu, a senior at the Charter School of Wilmington, serves as a Student Government representative and is the co-leader of Model UN. He is president of Entrepreneurship Club, the founder and president of the 3D Printing Club, which 3D printed face shields for health care workers during Covid-19 supply shortages, and is a member of the school varsity and YMCA swim teams. Justin is an editor and government/politics columnist of his school’s newspaper, has served as Student Government historian, has attended the Governor’s School for Excellence, was a Delaware Superior Court intern, as was selected for Delaware Boys State. He currently plays viola in the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra and was the former principal violist of the Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra. He is also a volunteer viola tutor and has served as an election officer in the general election. Justin plans to pursue a career of the sciences, diplomacy, and public service.