Bennett Garland, a senior at Armuchee High School, has advanced to the state finals to represent District 14 in the 2012-2013 United States Senate Youth Program. Garland, who was selected to represent Floyd County earlier this year, will represent the district in state level interviews on Friday, November 16, 2012. Over 100 candidates from across the state applied for the program. Students applying to the program must currently be serving in an elected or appointed capacity in a student government, civic or educational organization. Selection of students in the program is based solely on a student's outstanding abilities and demonstrated qualities of leadership in a high school student government office for 2012-2013 school year.

The United States Senate Youth Program, established in 1962 by U.S. Senate Resolution, is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service. The annual program will be held in Washington, D.C., from March 9 - 16, 2013. Two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity will spend a week in Washington experiencing their national government in action. Student delegates will hear major policy addresses by Senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and directors of other federal agencies, as well as participate in a meeting with a Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Transportation, hotel and meal expenses for those selected to go to Washington, D.C. are funded by The Hearst Foundations . In addition, each delegate selected will be awarded a $5,000 College Scholarship for undergraduate studies, with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science. The program is sponsored by the United States Senate and the Hearst Foundation.

Garland will join 17 other students, one representing each of the 14 districts in Georgia and three at-large representatives, to compete for the two slots funded by the Hearst Foundation.