FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2026
CONTACT:
Kyra Smith (Crapo)
Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) welcomed Idaho’s delegates to the 64th annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) held March 7-14, 2026, in Washington, D.C. Lola Ann Barron, of Post Falls, and Caleb Fernando Torgenson, of Hayden, were selected from among Idaho’s top student leaders to participate in the 104-student national delegation.
“Congratulations to Lola and Caleb for working hard and being chosen to serve as Idaho’s delegates,” said Crapo. “They have demonstrated a strong commitment to bettering the communities around them. Their representation of our great state in this highly competitive program highlights the abilities of Idaho youth, and I look forward to their continued success.”
To access higher resolution downloadable photos from the event, please click HERE.
Lola Barron, a senior, serves as the Student Body President at Post Falls High School. She gained firsthand experience with democratic processes through the American Legion Auxiliary Idaho Girls State and Girls Nation programs. Lola also completed 120 hours in a hospital pilot program to support nurses and improve patient experiences, and she serves as a peer tutor and mentor for Spanish-speaking students in her community. After graduation, she plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology on a pre-med track, with the long-term goal of becoming an Obstetrician-Gynecologist and working at a teaching hospital.
Caleb Torgenson, a senior at Coeur d’Alene High School, serves as the Vice Chair of the Student Advisory Group, where he works with the School Board on district policy changes. A leader in his school’s theatre department, he has performed in four productions and competed in four State Drama tournaments. Caleb holds a 4.346 grade point average and earned four perfect scores on his Advanced Placement exams last spring. He is also active in his community, from choreographing lightsaber fights for school events to volunteering as a local library mascot. Caleb plans to study political science in college and pursue a career in public policy or elected office.
In addition to Lola and Caleb, Madelyn Buehler, of Meridian, and Chayse Van Eps, of Terreton, were chosen as the two alternates to this year’s program.
During the program week, the student delegates will attend meetings and briefings with senators, the President, a justice of the Supreme Court and other high-level officials.
In addition to the experience, each of the delegates will receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship. The scholarship and program week in Washington, D.C., are fully funded by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. All transportation, meals and accommodation are provided. No government funds are used for the program.
About Mike Crapo
Senator Mike Crapo has represented Idaho in the Senate since 1999, following three terms in the U.S. House and eight years in the Idaho State Senate. A lifelong Idahoan, he currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.
