Submitted photo Jacob Cone, a senior at the Scholars Academy, was one of two students from Georgia selected for the United States Senate Youth Program. Along with taking part in a weeklong visit to Washington D.C., Cone was also awarded a $10,000 undergraduate scholarship. 

THOMASVILLE — March will be a hectic — yet promising — time for Jacob Cone.  

Cone, a Scholars Academy senior, was selected as one of two Georgia student delegates for the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). The student delegates will visit Washington D.C. for a week in March. Cone also was awarded a $10,000 undergraduate scholarship. 

The application process began in August and ended in December, according to Cone. 

“The application for USSYP was a very tough and delicate process,” he said. 

To be considered, a student had to be nominated by the social studies department head. 

The application was lengthy, according to Cone, which included five different essays. From there, Cone was chosen to represent Thomasville High School on a panel. Cone’s application was sent to the Georgia Department of Education to be scored. Along with the application being scored, a test on public policy and political knowledge was factored in. 

Cone also was interviewed by the program coordinator. 

“I cannot tell you how excited I was and honored to be chosen,” Cone said. 

Cone said he is looking forward to the relationships he hopes to foster with his fellow youth delegates while in the nation’s capital. Cone will get to meet President Donald Trump, and Georgia’s U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson and David Perdue. 

“I’m looking forward to meeting these people from different backgrounds and cultures and having political talk with fellow delegates,” Cone said. 

Along with his trip to the capital, Cone is anticipating an acceptance letter from the University of Georgia in March. 

Cone has been accepted to Mercer University. 

Whether he becomes a Bulldog or a Bear, Cone plans to major in political science. Following his undergraduate track, Cone hopes to attend law school at UGA or Georgetown. 

After college, Cone has his sights on politics. 

“My biggest career aspiration is hopefully serving the people of South Georgia in a position of public service,” Cone said. “What doors the Lord opens, I will follow, whether that means U.S. Senate, Georgia House or even governor of our great state.”

Cone said it seems the mentality in Georgia is Atlanta’s needs are met first and those of southern Georgia are often forgotten.

“I want to fix that,” he said.

Cone added he is grateful for the prestigious opportunity. 

“I just wanted to add what a honor it is to represent Georgia, but more importantly South GA and Thomasville at the Senate Youth Program,” Cone said. “It is truly a testament to my incredible parents, my family, the Thomasville City Schools, the Scholars Academy, and the community of awesome people in Thomasville that allowed me to have this once in a lifetime opportunity.” 

 

Reporter Jordan Barela can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1826.