Chandler high school senior receives national honor, scholarship

An Arizona College Prep High School senior recently learned she’s been selected for a select program and honor.

Camillia Baker was one of two Arizona high school students chosen to join U.S. Sens. Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly in representing Arizona during the 62nd annual USSYP Washington Week, set for March 2-9 in Washington, D.C. The students will also receive $10,000 scholarships.

Baker serves as a national Communications Committee representative and the Arizona co-chair of the High School Democrats of America, and has a passion for youth civic engagement and environmental activism, according to a news release.

Baker has been a page in the U.S. Senate, which provided her invaluable experience in the legislative process, including delivering legislation, assisting in roll call votes, setting up for committee meetings and being invited to observe a joint Congressional session with the prime minister of India.

In Chandler, Baker has helped increasing political awareness among her peers. As a Mission for Arizona intern with the Arizona Democratic Party, she has made more than 1,000 phone calls and canvassed extensively, boosting voter turnout, assisting with voter registration, and clarifying legislation.

Baker is also the Maricopa County youth president of the American Conservation Coalition and organizes environmental initiatives and career fairs.

In her role as a member of the Arizona Department of Education Youth Advisory Council, Baker was selected to highlight the impact of environmental issues on education.

In Speech and Debate, Baker excels as the Public Forum debate captain, mentoring her three-time state champion team in argumentation and rhetoric. Her research covers a wide range of topics, including policies and current events.

Baker would like to concentrate on political science in college, before attending law school.

The other Arizona selectee in the 104-student national delegation is Isaac Ormand of Vail.

Chosen as alternates for the 2024 program were another ACPHS student, Aanya Venkat, along with Sophia Lin of BASIS Scottsdale.

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