The N.C. House Page Program is a highly selective and interactive four-day program designed for North Carolina high schoolers. Active for more than 40 years, it has provided students with the opportunity of gaining behind-the-scenes insight into the state legislative process. I was honored to serve as a page this spring, and through this opportunity I learned more about the operation of our state government, developed close friendships with my fellow pages, and was able to strengthen my passion for politics.
“I think it’s great to give [students] the opportunity to learn about and get first-hand experience of how our state government works; to see the legislative process and to experience it,” said Sue Frederick, director of the Page Program.
While I was at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., I was able to sit in committee meetings and observe the process of a bill being introduced or reintroduced to the representatives of our state.
“A lot of the bills that are being passed now directly affect you, so it’s important to get involved with government as high schoolers,” Frederick added.
I watched North Carolina’s district representatives discuss proposed bills and vote either for or against the bill to be moved to the next committee. I was also given the privilege to attend the General Assembly’s daily legislative sessions, where the other pages and I offered our assistance to the representatives while witnessing legislative action; we either stood at the panel behind the desk of Speaker of the House of Representatives Destin Hall or in front of the panel, running errands as needed. We were able to see exactly what occurs during these hearings; it was a truly captivating experience.
We also aided the members by delivering messages or completing mailings during their workdays, as well as issuing legislative calendars or other documents in the House Chamber during daily legislative sessions.
Selection process and program benefits
I was sent the application by Franklin High School Principal Blair King, but the application can also be obtained directly through the North Carolina General Assembly website. The selection process is competitive; many students apply, but participation is limited to a select number of students per week that the House is in session. Applicants must be sponsored by their representative to apply, so they must contact their district’s representative in order to complete the application. After sponsorship has been granted, the prospective page must complete the application, which includes a short essay explaining why they wish to participate in the House Page Program. Students must also be in good academic standing.
“My favorite part about the program is hearing [the pages’] opinions and thoughts and finding out how different things are in different parts of the state,” Frederick affirmed.
The experience overall was incredible, but what I benefited from most was the opportunities to speak with the members of the House. I was able to garner wisdom that I would not have previously learned, had I not participated in the program.
We were allowed to ask the representatives their thoughts on political topics, what exactly they have done for their district, and more.
“The biggest opportunity this provides is awareness,” commented District 120 Representative, Karl Gillespie. “A lot of people [from areas] farther away don’t know about the political processes that go on up here. They don’t know how complicated a process it really is. [The program] provides exposure and understanding of the process.”
The N.C. House Page Program certainly exposed me to the state legislative process, and I am honored to have been given the chance to attend the week. Even though Raleigh is a drive for us who live in Macon County, the knowledge and experience I gained was more than worth it, and I would encourage any high schooler to apply to the program.