Two students at Swanson Middle School recently wrapped up an 11-week program as pages with the Virginia House of Delegates.
Eighth- and ninth-graders from across the commonwealth participate in the program, aiding legislators while learning about the legislative process.
Chandani Rathod and Jacqueline Ake represented Arlington, and in a release from the county school system, both students expressed appreciation for the opportunity.
“It was so interesting working in the Chamber and being able to observe as delegates debated bills and spoke about topics that affect their constituents,” Rathod said. “You were able to be in the middle of the action as bills passed and failed. I learned so much about how legislation passes, such as how bills have to go through committee before they are introduced on the floor.”
Ake said her favorite part of the program was the page debate. “The pages participated in a ‘floor session’ where we proposed our own bills and resolutions. My bill, which passed, gave more educational funding to poorer schools,” she said. “I truly enjoyed being a Virginia House Page, and I would recommend it to all interested.”