BATON ROUGE, La. — The United States Senate Youth Program announced that high school students Alena Dmitriyevna Alexeeva of Metairie and Anthony Mark Plaisance of Gray will join U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy and U.S. Senator John N. Kennedy in representing Louisiana during the program’s 64th annual Washington Week, taking place March 7–14, 2026. Selected from among the state’s top student leaders, each will also receive a $10,000 college scholarship.
“This is an extraordinary honor for these students and a proud moment for their educators, schools, and systems,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “They exemplify the kind of leadership, service, and academic excellence we see in Louisiana schools.”
The United States Senate Youth Program is an intensive week-long educational experience and scholarship sponsored by the United States Senate for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service. Two students are selected each year from every state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity.
Alena Dmitriyevna Alexeeva of Metairie attends Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy in Jefferson Parish. She serves as a student member of the Superintendent’s Advisory Council, president of the National Honor Society, vice president of the Science National Honor Society, vice president of Mu Alpha Theta, and is a member of the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council. She participates in Tulane University’s K–12 STEM Outreach Program and was one of five students selected for Ochsner’s STAR Program, conducting biomedical research on Type 1 diabetes. Alena plans to pursue a career in medical science and public health.
Anthony Mark Plaisance of Gray attends Central Lafourche High in Lafourche Parish. He serves as president of Louisiana FCCLA, vice president of service learning, Louisiana FFA state reporter, and a National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Youth Tour delegate. He co-captains the school’s Quiz Bowl team and volunteers with food pantries and senior homes. He has organized a biodiversity-focused community garden, coordinated a leadership camp, and launched initiatives promoting drug and alcohol prevention. Anthony plans to study natural resource management or coastal conservation at Louisiana State University, and attend law school to become an environmental lawyer.
Named as alternates to the program were Owen Esté of Abita Springs, a student at Fontainebleau High in St. Tammany Parish, and Tyler Wood of DeRidder, a student at Rosepine High in Vernon Parish.
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