Hinsdale Central senior chosen to get inside look at Washington, D.C.

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Hinsdale Central senior Robert Chun was one of two high school students from Illinois chosen to participate in the United States Senate Youth Program March 3-10 in Washington, D.C. Chun's Hinsdale Central guidance counselor, Jim McGuire, recommended Chun for the program.

Updated: March 3, 2012 8:14AM

Hinsdale Central guidance counselor Jim McGuire said recommending senior Robert Chun for a spot in the United States Senate Youth Program was one of the easiest decisions he’s ever made.

Created in 1962 and sponsored by the U.S. Senate, the youth program provides 104 high school students — two from each state and the District of Columbia (and two from overseas) — the opportunity to spend a week in Washington, D.C, to study the federal government and get a first-hand look at the American political process.

The youth program is funded by the Hearst Foundation, which provides each of the 104 student delegates with a $5,000 undergraduate college scholarship and encourages them to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs.

With McGuire’s recommendation setting the wheels in motion and providing the spark, Chun was selected to spend March 3-10 in Washington, D.C. Along with other selected students from around the country, Chun will attend meetings and briefings with senators and congressional staff, a justice of the Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies, an ambassador to the United States and members of the national media.

“The information about the program came across my desk, and when I read it, Robert was the person who came to my mind,” McGuire said. “He is so passionate about politics and political issues, and he’s very passionate about serving people. My job was quite easy in recommending him.”

After McGuire recommended him for the program, Chun wrote an essay and went to Springfield in November as part of a group of 18 high school students from Illinois who were interested in being selected.

“I had no idea what the program really was at first, but I’m really excited now about having this opportunity,” Chun said. “Politics is something I’ve always been interested in. I find it very important. It’s a way to get involved and change things, and I like to be a part of it.”

Chun, 18, already has served working internships with U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk and state Rep. Chris Nybo, R-41st of Elmhurst. And he is on the March 20 ballot as a candidate for Republican committeeman in precinct 3 of York Township.

“I’m very interested in politics and how things work,” Chun said. “I’m not set on it as a career right now, but I always am interested in learning more, and this trip is a great opportunity for me to get somewhat of an inside look. I’m also very excited about meeting the other students who will be there.”

McGuire said spending a week in Washington is a wonderful opportunity for Chun.

“I’m very excited for him,” McGuire said. “It’s a great opportunity for him to be exposed to some of the great decision makers in our country.”

Previous participants in the Senate Youth Program include U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, the first program delegate elected to the Senate; U.S. Rep. Cory Gardner of Colorado, the first former delegate elected to the House; New Jersey Gov. Christopher Christie; former Chief Judge Robert Henry, U.S. Court of Appeals; former Ambassador to West Germany Richard Burt; and former presidential Advisers Thomas “Mack” McLarty and Karl Rove.