Stevens Point Area Senior High School (SPASH) junior Erin Tschida has been selected to participate in the Wisconsin Senate’s Senate Scholar program by state Sen. Julie Lassa, D-Stevens Point. Tschida is the daughter of Kelly Mortenson and Ron Tschida, Stevens Point.

“Erin is a strong leader with a real passion for political science,” Lassa said. “I was pleased to nominate her for this prestigious honor, and I know she’ll learn a lot from her time in the Senate.”

The Senate Scholar program is an intensive, weeklong program in the State Capitol Building in which high school seniors from around the state are introduced to many facets of the legislative process.

They meet with legislative support agencies, legislative staff, Gov. Scott Walker’s staff and a Supreme Court justice, as well as reporters, lobbyists and University of Wisconsin faculty.

Scholars staff a floor session of the Senate under the direction of the Senate Sergeant at Arms office, and hold a mock hearing on a bill the students have drafted.

Tschida’s accomplishments include being elected president of the Stevens Point Youth in Government delegation, serving on the SPASH Student Senate, and competing with the school’s Ocean Sciences Bowl team.

She has maintained a high grade-point average while taking advanced placement courses in U.S. history, U.S. government and comparative government. Tschida participated in the Senate Scholar program during the week of Feb. 15 to 19.

Students who are interested in becoming a Senate Scholar can call Senator Lassa’s office at 608-266-3123 or email her at [email protected].