WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Nancy Boyda (Kansas Second District) at a press conference today announced that 16 year old Shawnee Heights High School student Benjamin Eric Berlin was the individual selected for this year’s Congressional Page Program. Joining Rep. Boyda for this afternoon’s announcement at Easter Seals Capper Foundation were State Senator Anthony Hensley, State Representative Ann Mah, Steven J. Noll, Vice Chair of Easter Seals Capper Foundation, Christel Gollnick, Executive Director of Angel Flight Central, Kansas Autism Task Force Member, and Tom Lang, Director of Interhab, along with other distinguished guests.

Boyda said, “I am sincerely looking forward to having this talented young man serve as a Congressional Page. Despite his young age, Ben has been very involved in his community. He has contributed as a writer to a Youth Teen Page for the Lawrence Journal World, has been through the Kansas Youth Leadership Academy, and volunteered for the Topeka Shawnee County Public Library and Habitat for Humanity. Ben is living proof that people with Aspergers can rise above the challenges and reach for the possibilities. He exemplifies all that a teenager could aspire to be.”

Selection for the Congressional Page Program was based on the candidate’s application, an essay on why they hoped to be a part of the program, their scholarship, extracurricular activities, and character and motivation. The candidates were scored by a board of judges; one each from Kansas State University, the University of Kansas, Pittsburg State and Washburn University. Each board member currently holds a government/leadership role.

The Congressional Page program started with the 20th Congress (1827-1829). Young men and women selected as Congressional Pages become actual United States government employees for the duration of their appointments. Ben will serve in Washington, D.C. Sunday June 8 through Friday, June 27. During this time, his primary duties will be to deliver correspondence and legislative materials, answer telephones and take messages, and to prepare the House floor for sessions.

It is an honor to be able to nominate a Congressional Page, as offices are eligible to nominate on a rotation basis of seniority. Boyda said, “This is a real privilege for a freshman office.”

“This is a terrific opportunity provided by Congresswoman Boyda,” said Jim Leiker, President and CEO of Easter Seals Capper Foundation. “It is a fine example of how, with hard work, parental support and support of others in the community, children with Aspergers can still achieve their dreams.”

This is the first time in the history of the program that a student with autism has been accepted as a Congressional Page.