Dear Neighbors and Friends,
I’m writing to tell you about the Minnesota House of Representatives High School Page Program. This program is for high school juniors and applications are being accepted until November 29th. For over 35 years, the High School Page Program has been committed to providing our state's future leaders with hands-on access to our state government in action. It’s also a great way to learn more about how laws get made at the Legislature.
As a member of the YMCA Youth in Government Board of Directors, I’ve had the chance to see firsthand how big of an impact programs like this can have on our young people. Opportunities like YMCA's Model United Nations and Model Assembly give students a chance to play the role of legislators, judges, attorneys, lobbyists, and even leaders of other nations.
The House Page Program offers a look into the real law making process as it happens. While serving as a page, students will get a chance to participate in the review of bills during the committee process and see bills discussed on the House floor.
Experiences like these can often help students find their passion for their community and public policy. Our current Speaker of the House, Representative Paul Thissen, was actually a page when he was in high school. Now, he’s one of the most influential law makers in Minnesota.
If you know any student who might be interested in the 2014 Minnesota House of Representatives High School Page Program please encourage them to apply. If you have any questions, or would like more information regarding the High School Page Program, feel free to contact Travis Reese the Chief Sergeant-at-Arms and High School Page Program Director. His phone number is 651-296-7175. Or, go to the High School Page Program website (which can be found at www.house.mn) where you will find important program information and a downloadable application.
Connie Bernardy