A Viewmont High School student is headed to Japan for six weeks after selection as Utah's participant in the Japan-U.S. Senate scholarship program.
Thomas Riley, 17, was chosen for the program that sends one youth from each state to Japan to visit with top Japanese government officials and to live with host families.State high schools nominated juniors last fall for the competition. Nominees filled out lengthy applications, and finalists were interviewed.
Riley is a member of the National Honor Society, pep band and concert band and worked on the school newspaper. He plans to seek a college degree in art and become an animator or video game designer.
"Thomas is an excellent candidate for this honor," said Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, who helped announce the selection. "This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from the unique people of Japan and about their culture."
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, added, "Japan is a world power. I cannot think of a better way of learning how this country functions than by observing first-hand the people and the diversity of this great nation."