El Paso teen selected for prestigious U.S. Senate youth program

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)-- An El Paso ISD high school student is headed to Washington, D.C., after being selected for a prestigious national program that recognizes young leaders in government and public service.

Catalina Gutierrez, a senior at Burgess High School, is one of only two students from Texas chosen to participate in the United States Senate Youth Program.

Gutierrez is actively involved at Burgess High School, where she participates in the school orchestra and National Honor Society, serves as vice president of the student council, and leads the Burgess varsity swim team.

The weeklong program is hosted by Vice President JD Vance and brings together 104 students from across the country. While in Washington, Gutierrez will meet with government officials, U.S. senators and President Donald Trump.

Gutierrez said she was surprised to be selected because of the program’s competitive nature.

“I kept reassuring myself that if I didn’t get it, it would be OK,” she said. “But it’s such a big milestone to accomplish. Leading with integrity throughout my high school career is important to me, and I see this as a small stepping stone toward the leadership I want to pursue later in my life.”

Gutierrez hopes to become a lawyer and plans to use the opportunity to discuss issues important to her, including immigration and equality.

“Immigration and equality are huge issues, especially coming from El Paso,” she said. “I’m looking forward to having one-on-one conversations with my senators and other government officials to advocate for issues that are close to my heart.”

In addition to the leadership experience, Gutierrez will receive a $10,000 college scholarship funded by the Hearst Foundations.