Orangeburg County School District (OCSD) is proud to announce that Xion Goldsmith, a standout student at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School, has been selected as one of the Top 10 finalists in South Carolina for the prestigious United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). This remarkable accomplishment places Xion among the state’s most promising young leaders and positions them to advance to the final round of the rigorous national selection process.

Goldsmith will participate in a 30-minute interview with a distinguished judging panel on Thursday, November 20, at the Palmetto Club in Columbia, SC, followed by a recognition luncheon from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., attended by finalists, parents/guardians, and school officials.

“We are incredibly proud of Xion and the excellence he represents for Orangeburg County,” said Dr. Shawn D. Foster, Superintendent of OCSD. “Being named a Top 10 finalist for the U.S. Senate Youth Program is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to Xion’s hard work, leadership, and commitment to serving others. His success reflects the promise, talent, and potential of students across our district, and we are excited to cheer him on in this next phase.”

Founded in 1962 through Senate Resolution 324, the USSYP is one of the nation’s most distinguished civic leadership programs for high school juniors and seniors. Administered by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation and sponsored by the U.S. Senate, the program identifies and cultivates the next generation of American leaders.

Each year:

•       Two students from every state are selected as delegates nationwide.

•       Delegates participate in a weeklong Washington Week experience in Washington, D.C., where they engage with U.S. Senators, a Supreme Court Justice, Cabinet officials, and top federal leaders.

•       Each delegate receives a $10,000 undergraduate scholarship.

The program emphasizes civic engagement, public service, and an in-depth understanding of the federal government. Participation is highly selective—students must demonstrate exceptional academic performance, leadership in student government or civic organizations, and a strong commitment to public service.