Congratulations to Caroline Conner and Jonas Pak-Lin, this year's United States Senate Youth delegates for North Carolina! As this year's winners, the two will represent our great state during an intensive week-long educational experience held in Washington, D.C. March 7–14, 2026 in which they will attend a reception with North Carolina's two U.S. Senators, Thom Tillis and Ted Budd; hear major policy addresses by senators, Cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense, and directors of other federal agencies; and participate in meetings with the President and a sitting Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Caroline and Jonas will each receive a $12,500 undergraduate college scholarship with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science. The scholarships are awarded in the name of the United States Senate.

Both Caroline and Jonas were officially recognized and awarded plaques by the North Carolina State Board of Education and North Carolina's State Superintendent of Public Schools at the June 4th NC State Board of Education meeting. The State Board and State Superintendent also recognized USSYP alumnus Mr. Randy Brantley for his longstanding commitment and dedicated volunteer service to NCDPI and his invaluable contributions to the USSYP delegate selection process.

Senate Youth Delegates Caroline Conner and Jonas Pak-Lin, along with USSYP alumnus Mr. Randy Brantley, recognized by the NC State Board of Education, June 4, 2026.

Front Row, Left to right: Board member Jill Camnitz, Superintendent Maurice Green, USSYP alumnus Randy Brantley, Ms. Pak-Lin (Jonas's mother), 2026 USSYP delegate Jonas Pak-Lin, 2026 USSYP delegate Caroline Conner, Mr. Conner (Caroline's father), NC SBE Chairman Eric Davis, Board member Olivia Oxendine, Board member Carol A. Worley, Board member J. Wendell Hall.

Jonas Pak-Lin and Caroline Conner Caroline, Jonas, and Mr. Brantley

Senate Press Release: NC Senate Youth Winners - 2026

2026 USSYP Delegate Winner: Carolina Conner (Alamance-Burlington Schools)

Caroline Conner, a junior at Walter M. Williams High School in Burlington, NC, serves as the Junior Class President. Caroline has a strong history of leadership and student government service, having served as president of her freshman class and sophomore vice-president. She currently serves as a member of her district’s Superintendent’s Student Advisory Group. Caroline believes in taking initiative in addressing issues both at school and in her local community. She founded and administers the Community Medical Closet, which "freecycles" gently used medical equipment for those in need within her community. She also co-founded her county’s YMCA Youth & Government delegation and serves as its president. Caroline plays varsity golf and softball, and she was part of restarting both teams at her school during her freshman year, another need she sought to address. Caroline works with her school’s Daring to Role Model Excellence as Athletic Mentors (D.R.E.A.M.) team and is a member of North Carolina's Civics Coalition’s (NC3) Youth Advisory Committee. Outside of high school, Caroline continues to position herself to serve others, which is why she is currently pursuing certification as a community Spanish interpreter through a nearby community college.

Through her sustained commitment to leadership, civic engagement, and service, Caroline consistently identifies needs and takes meaningful action to address them. Whether advocating for student voice, expanding access to community resources, or building inclusive opportunities for others, she leads with purpose, initiative, and integrity. Caroline’s record of impact reflects not only her accomplishments but also her clear dedication to continued public service and community leadership in the years ahead. Caroline will graduate as a part of the class of 2027. Learn more about Caroline in her digital presentation, which is a requirement of the N.C. application.

Read Carolina Conner’s Essay Reflecting on Her Washington, D.C. USSYP Delegate Experience This Past March 2026.

2026 USSYP Delegate Winner: Jonas Pak-Lin (Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools)

Jonas Pak-Lin is a student at Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte, N.C. He is vice-president of South Charlotte 4-H. As a leader of his 4-H group, he works to plan initiatives with a focus on providing career readiness and youth development opportunities to other youth in the local community. Examples of this include state-level career readiness workshops emphasizing LinkedIn, resume, and interview skills; an annual teen expo that connects teens with jobs, volunteer opportunities, and internships; and a 10-week news series with Queen City News (FOX 46). Through his efforts and work with these initiatives, Jonas has helped to empower many of his peers and local youth through hands-on learning experiences, a mission that he will continue to work toward as a workshop developer and presenter at the 2026 national Ignite Conference held by 4-H. As a young leader, Jonas volunteers with his local YMCA as a counselor, leading STEAM camps for youth in grades 3-5.

Through his leadership in 4-H and his commitment to youth development, Jonas consistently seeks to create meaningful opportunities that equip young people with practical skills, confidence, and pathways for future success. His work reflects a deep dedication to service, mentorship, and civic engagement, as well as a clear ability to translate ideas into impactful programs. Jonas’s ongoing efforts to empower his peers and younger students demonstrate both his current impact and his promise as a thoughtful, service-oriented leader. Jonas is a senior who will graduate spring 2026. Learn more about Jonas in his digital presentation, which is a requirement of the N.C. application.

Read Jonas Pak-Lin’s Essay Reflecting on His Washington, D.C. USSYP Delegate Experience This Past March 2026.

The 2026 NC Alternates

The winning delegates must attend the entire week-long educational program in Washington D.C. to receive the $12,500 scholarship. If either delegate, for some reason, is unable to attend the entire week-long program, the first or second alternate will be asked to attend. The alternate replacing the delegate who was unable to attend would also receive the $12,500 scholarship.

First Alternate: Yasha Nagathan, (Wake County Schools)

Yasha Nagathan is a senior at Green Level High School, Cary, N.C. Yasha is the president of her high school Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter, where she leads, manages, and oversees the execution of school and local programs that align with the FBLA mission. Yasha also serves as the FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) National President. Yasha states that her commitment to public service aligns with FBLA's mission of Service, Education, &
Progress. Yasha has been involved in scouting for 9 years as a Girl Scout and Boy Scout and has earned the highest awards in both organizations, including Eagle Scout, the highest award in Boy Scouts of America, and the Boy Scouts of America National Youth Council.

As the FBLA National President, Yasha leads over 200,000 members and advisers. She presides over 500 state officers and manages 50 national council members. She also manages 68 national programs and oversees the execution of a 25-page program of work, which is the largest in FBLA history. During her leadership, Yasha has managed and led 102 youth officers and launched and spearheaded 116 state and national programs. She has served as a 3-time NC FBLA state officer - twice as the state president and once as the state VP. In these roles, she has led 6,300 members, grown the NC FBLA membership by over 2000, and created the first state scholarship fund. Yahsa is an avid public speaker who has spoken to 43,000 people. She is president of the Investment Club. Yasha will earn an Associate in Science degree in the spring of 2026 when she graduates. Yasha is a senior scheduled to graduate spring 2026. Learn more about Yasha in her digital presentation, which is a requirement of the N.C. application.

Second Alternate: Jesse Daniel Lopez-Amaya (Guilford County Schools)

Jesse Lopez-Amaya is a junior at Southwest Guilford High School, High Point, N.C. Jesse is his high school’s representative for Guilford County's Service Learning Youth Council and was elected to lead their public relations team. He is also a member of his school’s student council. Jesse is dedicated to civic engagement. Jesse is the founder of a peer mentorship initiative that mentors students in academic and civic growth. Jesse regularly volunteers at a local food bank and mentors pre-kindergartners. He also engages in initiatives such as writing and creating cards for veterans. Jesse is a member of Sponsors for Educational Opportunities (SEO Scholars), an education nonprofit that mentors students to and through college. SEO has given him various opportunities to connect with other high school students by allowing him to speak about his experiences to prospective scholars at events in his local school, community, and across the county. Jesse feels his commitment and vision for public service align with the mission of SEO Scholars because his work with the organization allows him to engage with others to achieve a more equitable society by aiding underprivileged communities, whether through volunteering at a food bank or through SEO's work. As the president of his school’s Model UN chapter, he educates and encourages other students to build solutions to global issues.

As president of the Interact Club, Jesse has worked to revitalize his school’s member participation and engagement by launching creative social media campaigns and organizing meaningful service-learning events that encourage broad student involvement. His leadership has not only strengthened and expanded club membership but has also increased the club’s capacity to serve the local community, bringing more students together to make a positive impact. By serving in his leadership capacity, he has been able to guide both students and student members in working together on service projects that help build character through activities that promote respect, integrity, and helpfulness. Jesse will graduate as a part of the class of 2027. Learn more about Jesse in his digital presentation, which is a requirement of the N.C. application.

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