Thirty four young Virginians arrived on Capitol Square the morning of January 5 for orientation and training in preparation to serve in the Senate Page/Messenger Program during the upcoming legislative session.
The class of 2014 represents 29 localities and schools throughout Virginia including Everett Ward Jr. of Roanoke who is in 8th grade at North Cross School.
Everett met with Senator John Edwards as part of the application process and submitted his own essays and letters before being selected.
The chief duty of Senate Pages/Messengers is to assist the Senators during floor sessions and committee meetings. In addition to their chief responsibilities, Senate Pages/Messengers run errands, answer telephones, pull and file bills in the bill room, assist with mail distribution in the post office, offer support to the Clerk’s Office, assist in the public information office, offer guidance at information desks and engage with school groups and tourists visiting the Capitol. Participants develop important job skills through an emphasis on time management and personal responsibility.
While in Richmond, all Senate Pages/Messengers are responsible for obtaining and maintaining
their schoolwork and assignments. A mandatory, two-hour study hall is administered Monday through
Thursday evenings.
Senate Pages/Messengers report to the Capitol for an orientation program Sunday, January 6, followed by a rigorous, two-day training program aimed at facilitating success with workplace responsibilities throughout the 60 day session. The class will serve until the legislature adjourns Saturday, March 8.
Senate Pages/Messengers must be 13 or 14 years of age at the time of election or appointment. On a rotating basis, Senators choose 16 pages, including one for the lieutenant governor. Senate Messengers are appointed by the Clerk of the Senate at the recommendation of Senators who do not make an appointment that year.
As early as 1848, nearly 100 years after the legislature convened in Thomas Jefferson’s “Temple on the Hill,” the first mention of Senate Pages appears in the Senate Journal. The program has evolved into an engaging experience for students interested in history, civics, government and politics. The opportunity is often described as a real life classroom and front row seat to representative democracy.
Recognized for excellence by the Virginia Board of Education, the program prepares young people to be effective leaders and responsible citizens in their community. The National Conference of State Legislatures featured Virginia’s program in its August 2012 issue of State Legislatures magazine.
For more information, visit the Capitol Classroom section of the Virginia General Assembly website.
