On January 10th, 2023, Norman North student Tuqa Al-Ibadi had been chosen to participate in the USSYP program. The point of the program is to help instill within each class of USSYP student delegates more profound knowledge of the American political process and a lifelong commitment to public service. During the program week, the student delegates will attend meetings and briefings with senators, the president, a justice of the Supreme Court, and leaders of cabinet agencies, among others.

Tuqa Alibadi, a senior at Norman North, serves as the Senior Class president. She is active in our speech and debate including and is a member of the National Honor Society, a math tutor, and vice president of the Feminism Club. Tuqa has been involved in Student Council for all four years of high school and in a part of the Oklahoma High School Young Democrats, also involving herself as a competitive debate coach for middle school students. She participated in the Yale Young Global Scholars Summer Program and enjoys playing tennis. Tuqa plans to study global affairs with a minor in political science and attend law school.

“Students chosen to participate in this extremely prestigious educational opportunity are exemplary, the brightest stars and America’s future leaders,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister said, “We are so proud of Tuqa and Raven for their amazing accomplishments in the classroom and in their communities and have no doubt they will represent Oklahoma well on the national stage now and in the years to come.”

“There are a lot of exciting events on the itinerary, and I also think the opportunity to go to D.C. with a bunch of really accomplished students my age is going to be a memorable experience all around,” Tuqa stated during an interview, “Beyond that, I also think that this opportunity is once in a lifetime and holds a lot of value long term.”