ST. PAUL, Minn. – Lauren Berlin, a junior at South Ridge High School in Culver, got the opportunity to be immersed in the legislative process this week serving as a High School Page at the Minnesota House of Representatives. About a dozen high school juniors each week participate in the program, opening their eyes to democracy and the nuts and bolts of how the legislature operates.
“Every week I look forward to chatting with the pages, and it was great to have a constituent down participating in the program,” said Rep Jason Metsa (DFL – Virginia). “Lauren showed a tremendous interest in the work we do and the issues we discuss, and I certainly hope she will look back upon this as a valuable experience.”
The House High School Page Program is a one of a kind educational opportunity for Minnesota students to be up close and personal with their state government. Students in the program have the ability to experience the legislative process firsthand by assisting members during House Floor sessions.
Other highlights included in each student's week at the Capitol are individual meetings with legislators designed to allow students to discuss the issues that matter most to them. They also participate in a mock committee session designed to develop their leadership skills and to inspire them to think critically about the issues confronting our state. Throughout the week, students have the chance to meet with constitutional officers, judges and court officers, lobbyists, and members of the media.
“It’s been an ongoing practice for me to treat pages from my district to lunch, and today a few other legislators and I were fortunate to spend some time with Lauren and learn about her ambitions,” Rep. Metsa said. “I’m excited to hear she wants to go into nursing, and I look forward to supporting her in any way I can, and I hope other students can come down and experience the page program as well.”
Each fall, Minnesota high school juniors are given the opportunity to apply for the program for the following year’s legislative session. For more information, visit the Minnesota House High School Page program online.
ATTACHED PHOTO: Rep. Jason Metsa (DFL – Virginia) and Lauren Berlin, junior at South Ridge High School, meet in the Retiring Room of the Minnesota House Chamber. Berlin is serving this week in St. Paul as a High School Page.