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The U.S. House of Representatives offers an exciting opportunity for
students to participate as Congressional Pages during their junior
year of high school. This unique program gives participants the opportunity
to meet students from around the U.S., attend special classes and
seminars at the Page School, and serve the country's leaders while
working in the House of Representatives. Currently, sixty-six young
men and women are appointed by their Member of Congress to serve as
Pages in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress offers both a
summer Page program and a school year Page program.
The Speaker's office selects the Pages and the Speaker's office will
only accept applications submitted by a congressional office. The
Speaker's office will not accept applications from students directly.
Eligible students from the 10th Congressional District who wish to
be considered for a Page position must submit their completed application
to Congressman Deal's office for review and recommendation. To receive
an application, write to Congressman Nathan Deal, 2133 Raybun House
Office Building, Washington, DC 20515-1009. Enclose a letter expressing
your interest in participating in the Page program.
To be eligible for the school year, applicants must:
- be 16 years of age at the time of their appointment
- be in their Junior year of high school
- have a cumulative grade point average of "B" or better in
all major courses to date
To be eligible for the summer program, applicants must:
- be 16 years of age at the time of their appointment
- have a "B" average or better
- be willing to serve as a Page for one month during the summer before
or after their junior year of high school
The definition of a "B" average is a 3.0 on a 4 point
scale, or an 85 or better on a 100 point scale.
An official transcript of all grades (from 9th grade through at
least the first semester of current year) is required to verify
the cumulative grade point average of "B" or better in
major courses. Only grades in the following subject areas will be
included in the GPA tally: English, science, mathematics, social
studies, and foreign language. Electives are not included in the
GPA tally.
In addition to the application form and transcript, the following
items are required:
- Signed parental consent form
- Social Security number
- 50-100 word essay on why you want to become a Republican Page
- Resume of extra-curricular activities
- Three letters of recommendation
After reviewing the application, transcript, and additional items,
Congressman Deal will choose one to two candidates for each Page program,
and submit a letter of recommendation to the Speaker's office in Washington,
D.C. The Speaker's office will then select 66 Pages for each program
on a competitive basis from the pool of nominees.
During the school year Page program, the Pages attend five 40 minute
classes at the Page School, which is located on the fourth floor of
the Library of Congress Jefferson Building. This special school is
for the school year Pages only. The summer Pages do not attend.
The Page School is accredited by the Middle States Association of
Colleges and Secondary Schools.
Students select five courses in the following subject areas:
- American, British, or World Literature (all with composition),
or Humanities
- Algebra II/Trigonometry; Trigonometry/Pre Calculus or Pre Calculus
- Physics or Chemistry
- U.S. History or Government and Politics
- Intermediate or Advanced French or Spanish
First year language courses are not offered, nor are Advanced Placement
courses. All school year Pages participate on alternate Saturdays
in a Washington seminar program called WISP (Washington Interdisciplinary
Studies Program).
The workday begins immediately following the last class at the Page
School. It extends to at least 5:00 p.m., or until after the House
adjourns for the day, depending on whichever is later. The Pages
report to their Page supervisor, where the first order of the day
may be filing the Congressional Record from the previous day's proceedings.
Pages act primarily as messengers. They deliver legislative material
between the various buildings of Capitol Hill. During the course
of the day, the Pages accumulate points for "runs" (or
deliveries). Those with the highest number or points are excused
early when the House goes into late night sessions.
The summer workdays begin at 9 a.m.
The dress required for males is a navy blazer, long sleeved white
shirt, dark gray slacks, dark socks, dark shoes and a standard issue
tie.
The dress required for females is a navy blazer, long sleeved white
blouse, dark gray skirt or dark gray pants, dark shoes, appropriate
hose and a standard issue tie.
The ties are provided during orientation and are navy with red and
white stripes.
All Pages are required to live at the Page Residence Hall (the O'Neill
Building, directly behind the Canon Building), 300 New Jersey Avenue,
S.E. A resident manager and five proctors living on the premises are
responsible for supervision. The third floor is set aside for males
and the fourth floor for females. The Pages agree in writing to abide
by a strict Code of Conduct, which includes a curfew of 10 p.m. on
the weeknights, and midnight on the weekends.
The triple rooms are furnished with twin beds, night stands, dressers,
desks, and chairs. Each of the rooms has a large walk-in closet,
a study area, toll controlled telephone, a small refrigerator, private
bathroom and two air-conditioning units. A community room with a
color television and microwave oven is available on each floor.
A laundry room is located in the basement.
The Pages are paid approximately $1,178.17 per month, with an automatic
payroll deduction of $300 to cover the cost of the dorm and five dinners
weekly.
Pages are responsible for their transportation to and from Washington,
their uniform, breakfast (other than cafeteria style provided to the
school year Pages) and lunch on weekdays, weekend meals, school supplies
and all incidental expenses. In addition, a one-time refundable security
deposit of $100 payable to the U.S. Treasury is required for the dorm.
Please keep in mind that Pages are employees of the U.S. House
of Representatives, and an important part of the legislative process.
Before making your decision to take part in this exciting opportunity,
it is imperative that you understand that all family activities, as
well as home school, and community activities, which would interrupt
your Page school and/or work activities must be put on hold until
you are no longer a Page. Pages will not be permitted to return home
to attend family reunions, parent promotion ceremonies, family trips,
home school activities such as conferences, sports events, proms,
etc., if they occur during the school and/or work week.
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