Newport News School Board student rep selected for U.S. Senate Youth Program
Posted: January 12, 2026
Kyla Leggette, a senior at Menchville High School and the student representative to the Newport News School Board, has been selected to participate in the United States Senate Youth Program, according to a press release from the program.
Leggette was one of two students from Virginia chosen by the Virginia Department of Education to join Senator Tim Kaine and Senator Mark Warner in representing Virginia during the 64th annual USSYP Washington Week, which will be held March 7-14 in Washington, D.C.
"I am beyond excited and honored to represent Virginia in the United States Senate Youth Program," Leggette said. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I can't wait to learn alongside students from across the country."
Leggette and Ella Yarhouse of Moseley were selected from the among the state's top student leaders. They will join a delegation of 104 outstanding high school students-two from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity-for an intensive week-long study of the federal government and the people who lead it, meeting with senators, the president, a Supreme Court justice and other high-level officials.
Each delegate also will receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs.
"Being selected for the United States Senate Youth Program is truly an incredible honor," Leggette said. "I’m excited to engage with fellow delegates and gain hands-on insight into how our government works. I'm deeply grateful to my family, school leaders and the Virginia Department of Education for making this opportunity possible."
Leggette serves on the Governor's Student Advisory Board, where she will present policy solutions on an education-related topic to the governor, the Virginia secretary of education and the Virginia Board of Education.
She is the vice president of Menchville's Student Council Association, president of the Health Education Advocacy League and the Model U.N., captain of the color guard and archery team, and the co-host of the daily announcements. Leggette is co-founder and president of the CHKD Sunflower Junior Circle.
In college, she plans to major in public health and pursue double minors in Spanish and biology while following a pre-medical track with plans to become a medical doctor of internal medicine.
