(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — Dec. 15, 2025) — Burges High School senior Catalina Gutierrez has been selected as one of only two students from the state of Texas to participate in the prestigious United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), earning recognition as one of the nation’s most promising young leaders.
Gutierrez will represent Texas during the weeklong program in Washington, D.C., from March 7–14, 2026, joining 103 other student leaders from across the country. Participants will engage in an intensive study of the federal government, meeting with U.S. Senators, high-ranking officials, and Supreme Court justices. The program will be hosted by Vice President JD Vance, along with U.S. Senators John Thune and Chuck Schumer.
“I was very surprised when I found out,” Gutierrez said. “There was so much competition for this program. To be able to interact with student leaders from across the nation and with political leaders from our government is really amazing and eye opening.”
In addition to the once-in-a-lifetime experience, Gutierrez will receive a $10,000 college scholarship funded by The Hearst Foundations. Following graduation, she plans to major in Government and Public Policy and attend The University of Texas at Austin.
“I look forward to engaging with our nation’s leaders and working with individuals who bring different views and perspectives on public policy,” Gutierrez said. “I hope to educate myself, have those tough conversations with our leaders, and better understand the solutions our government is working toward.”
Gutierrez has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout her time at Burges High School. She is actively involved in the school’s orchestra and National Honor Society, serves as Vice President of Student Council, and leads the Burges varsity swim team. She also served on the Texas Association of Student Councils (TASC) State Board as a State Conference Co-Coordinator, helping organize the annual convention hosted by EPISD schools Burges and Coronado High Schools in Arlington, Texas.
“I have always been interested in politics since I was very little,” Gutierrez said. “It’s an honor to serve and represent both my state and my city of El Paso. I’m really grateful for the support I’ve received from El Paso ISD and my role models, especially my advisor, Ruth Bolin, who helped me grow into the leader I am today.”
Burges High School Principal Jason Yturralde said Gutierrez’s selection reflects her dedication and leadership both on and off campus.
“Our students continue to exceed our expectations every day,” Yturralde said. “We have always believed in Catalina, and she truly deserves this honor. She represents Burges High School and El Paso ISD exceptionally well.”
Instructor Beto Guerrero echoed those sentiments, noting Gutierrez’s consistent involvement and leadership.
“Catalina has proven to everyone that she is a natural-born leader,” Guerrero said. “She is always involved in everything on campus, and it’s only natural that she was selected for this program.”
The United States Senate Youth Program was established in 1962 to encourage civic engagement and leadership among high-achieving high school students. Many program alumni have gone on to serve as elected officials, judges, and leaders in public service.