Charleston, W.Va. (WVDN) – The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) is pleased to announce Joseph “Joey” Van Meter from Pocahontas County and Juliann Harlan from Randolph County as the 2026 West Virginia delegates in the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). Both students serve their school and local communities as student government and civic leaders and have used their roles to positively impact those around them.
Van Meter and Harlan will receive a $10,000 college scholarship and will be recognized by West Virginia’s Senator Jim Justice and Senator Shelley Moore Capito. Van Meter and Harlan will also join 102 other high school students from across the country for the 64th annual Washington Week from March 7 – 14, 2026, in Washington, D.C. Throughout this week, USSYP delegates will hear policy addresses from senators, cabinet members, Department of State officials, Department of War officials and other federal agency leaders.
Van Meter is Pocahontas County High School’s senior class president and student council treasurer, a member of the Local School Improvement Council and a student representative on the Pocahontas County Board of Education. He plans to pursue degrees in political science and business administration.
Harlan is Elkins High School’s junior class president and the founder of “We the People Wednesday,” a social media campaign designed to engage youth in civic matters in a nonpartisan environment. She is also a founding member of the school’s Key Club, focusing on placing mental health care kits in every classroom. Harlan plans to study political science at the United States Naval Academy.
Kethan Neginhal from Huntington High School and Zane Cook from Wyoming East High School were named as 2026 West Virginia alternate delegates.
“Joseph and Juliann are outstanding examples of students who wish to bring positive change to their community and pursue every available opportunity to make that change a reality. Their passion and desire to be servant leaders is inspiring,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. “While the public school system offers students many opportunities to develop leadership skills, I am grateful for national initiatives such as USSYP, that recognize their talents, and provide students with meaningful experiences that further promote growth, leadership and success.”
The USSYP was created in 1962 with the passing of Senate Resolution 324 to inspire generations of high school students to deepen their understanding of American political processes, encouraging them to pursue careers in public service.
Learn more about the USSYP program on the WVDE website.
