Stanley Stoutamire, Jr., a resident of
Calera and senior at John Carroll Catholic High School, spent March 4 – 11 in
Washington D.C. as one of two delegates from Alabama to the U.S. Senate Youth
Program. This prestigious program
selects two outstanding young leaders from each state, plus the District of
Columbia and the Department of Defense Schools.
Selection for the program is based on leadership abilities, commitment
to volunteer work, and academic achievement, along with recommendations from
school officials.
Young Mr. Stoutamire was the guest speaker
at a recent meeting of the Shelby County Democratic Party. With poise and eloquence unusual in someone
still too young to vote, Stanley entertained an enthralled audience, in person
and on Zoom, with his description of the arduous application and selection
process, his whirlwind week of meetings with government officials, tours of
government buildings and national monuments, plus becoming friends with other
high school seniors from all over the country.
The
most memorable public figures with whom he met were Senator John Hickenlooper
and Justice Sonia Sotomayor, both of whom spoke in depth of their own paths
toward a life of public service, and who encouraged the young leaders to
embrace unexpected opportunities. Stanley
and Ella Duus, the other Alabama delegate who is from Huntsville, were also
scheduled to meet with Alabama’s senators; Senator Tuberville was in a meeting
at the appointed time, but they enjoyed a lively conversation with the personable
Senator Katie Britt.
Stanley Stoutamire, Jr. is now back at
home in Calera, where he lives with proud parents Stanley, Sr. and Clarissa,
with loads of photos and memories, and a renewed appreciation of the effort
that goes into making government work for all Americans. Although his sights are set on medical school
at this time, who knows what opportunities might arise for this talented,
promising young man.
Stanley Stoutamire, Jr.
It’s been a little more than a year since I served as a delegate to the United StatesSenate Youth Program. It was an awe-inspiring program that set the tone for a phenomenalyear. After that incredible week, I was accepted into a variety of universities including:Vanderbilt, Notre Dame, Harvard, and Princeton, and I decided to attend Princeton University. Iwas also one of 161 high school seniors to be named a U.S. Presidential Scholar.Last summer I had the opportunity to participate in the book launch of Built from the Fireby Victor Luckerson, the story of Greenwood, Tulsa and the Tulsa Race Massacre. Participatingin the launch was especially exciting after getting to work as a research assistant for the book.Seeing Built from the Fire noted as one of the most notable books of the year by the New York Times was extremely gratifying.
After the book launch I headed to Princeton’s campus over the summer to participate inthe Freshman Scholars Institute (FSI). During the program I built strong connections with peers,studied with different departments, and learned about all of the different opportunities oncampus. After the program, I was featured on Princeton’s social media through the#TellUsTigers series. I was able to share the great experience I had with FSI and my excitement for the beginning of the fall semester.
When the semester began in earnest, I was able to join a variety of student groups. Tosupport my interests as a Pre-Med student I joined the Princeton Premedical Society along witha number of other related organizations. To continue supporting my interest in music, I joinedthe Princeton University Glee Club (which truly is nothing like the hit show), and the TrentonYouth Orchestra as a coach for the brass section.During my winter break I worked with the UAB Epiphany team. The Epiphany project is atwo-year investigation researching preventative lifestyle modification to prevent the developmentof high blood pressure (hypertension). It was an amazing experience where I gained a variety ofnew skills. Now, during the spring semester, I serve as a volunteer at a local hospital. This hasbeen a similarly enlightening experience.
My brief time at Princeton has already been filled with a number of chance encounters.From NBC News Correspondent Ron Allen to Former Surgeon General Jerome Adams toretired General Mark Milley, I’ve met a number of inspiring figures. I’m so grateful for all of thesupport I received from my family, my friends, and my community. Having these opportunitieshas been unbelievable and I am doing my best to make the most out of each and every one ofthem. I don’t know what challenges and opportunities lie ahead of me, but I’m confident I will beable to press forward and tackle whatever is in store.
