Lost River High School student heading to D.C.

Merrill, Ore. – A 16-year-old student from Merrill is one of only about 100 students from across the nation selected for a special program next week in Washington, D.C.

Jessica Cobian of Lost River High School is heading to the United State Senate Youth Program this weekend. “I’m really excited to have the opportunity to go represent small schools, small dogs,” said Cobian.

Mazama Student Sergio Cisneros was selected for the program back in 2008. He said, “To interact and learn about government, and more importantly for me what it was, was an opportunity to ask questions.” Cisneros now teaches at Lost River High School, and he helped Jessica apply for the program. “Jessica had the hunger and the ambition to go farther in life,” said Cisneros on Cobian’s selection.

But, life hasn’t always been easy for Jessica, as her father Everado was deported in 2009. Cobian notes that her Dad is still part of her inspiration, “He just said, ‘You guys will succeed – and I know you guys will succeed,’ and that’s been my drive.”

Jessica Cobian’s selection also brings a $5,000 scholarship. Sergio Cisneros added that the program will also give Cobian a chance to sharpen her leadership skills, “I hope she’ll come back to this community and share those stories, and then hopefully inspire the upcoming junior high students.”

“And I want them to know that they can lead, and that they will lead, and that the future of a country depends on who will step up – and I want them to step up.” added Jessica Cobian.

Cobian has set a goal of attending the U.S. Naval Academy to study computer engineering. To do that, she’ll need a recommendation from an Oregon U.S. Senator or Representative.