As a
sophomore heading into her junior year at Metro Academic and
Classical High School, Sydney Everett received an opportunity to
work on Capitol Hill as a U.S. House Page and not only see true
government in action but see true history in the making.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>She saw U. S. Representative Gabby Giffords cast her first vote since the Tucson shooting and had a front row seat to the debt ceiling debates.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“I didn’t know that was how government was run. It was shocking and enlightening,” said Everett who plans to go to a college on the East Cost to study law in hopes of remaining involved in politics.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>The U.S. House of Representatives Page Program, formally established in 1827, grooms future leaders by giving them an in-depth look at the U.S. House of Representatives. Not only do Pages assist members of the U.S. House with their legislative duties, they see the inner workings of the legislative process. In fact, the program created a Page School in 1925 to give courses specifically on the American government.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Past members of the U.S. House Page Program include: Bill Gates, founder and CEO of Microsoft; R. Donahue Peebles, the chairman
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-ansi-language: EN;” lang=”EN” xml:lang=”EN”>and chief executive officer of the Peebles Corp., the largest African American-owned real estate development and ownership company in the U.S.; and Andrew Napolitano, New Jersey Superior Court Judge and current contributor to Fox News.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Now, after more than 180 years, the U.S. House of Representatives Page Program is over. Sydney Everett will now become history in her own right as a member of the last class of U.S. House Pages.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”> “It is sad because being a Page was such a great experience. It was life-changing, and I want others to have the opportunity,” said Everett.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Sydney Everett was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Lacy Clay, who represents the St. Louis region. It was her first time in Washington, D.C. and the first time away from home for more than a night. Everett served as one of two Pages from Missouri, in the final class which consisted of 70 Pages from across the nation.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>In a joint statement by Speaker Boehner and Minority Leader Pelosi, both of which Everett met, the U.S. House Page Program was closed due to the advances of technology and the high cost of the program, which exceeds $5 million.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;”>SLPS/Ranken
Dual
Enrollment Program
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>St. “font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Louis Public Schools’ Division of Career and Technical Education and Ranken Technical College are continuing their exclusive partnership allowing district seniors to attend classes at Ranken for college credit.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Known as the Dual Enrollment Program, SLPS seniors participating in the program receive tuition, books, tools, Ranken polo shirts, bus tickets, and earn three hours of high school credit and 12-14 hours of college credit at no cost.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>To qualify for the program, SLPS seniors must maintain good academic standing at high school, score 17 or better in math on the ACT, score 13 or better in reading on the ACT, or have satisfactory scores on Ranken’s placement test. Once accepted, students are eligible to take courses in one of three programs:
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;”> Program 1: Automotive Maintenance Technology (AMT),
which
develops student proficiencies in areas such as engine repair, air
conditioning, brakes and electricity. In addition, engine
performance and emissions, along with suspension and steering, are
taught. Graduates of the program accept employment with many local
automotive dealerships and independent repair shops.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;”> Program Choice 2: Industrial Technology (INT), “font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>which gives students basic training in several fields, such as electrical, plumbing, machining, and carpentry. Upon graduation students are able to troubleshoot, diagnose and repair many facility issues and work in facilities maintenance for large campuses (universities, hospitals, hotels and industrial businesses).
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;”> Program Choice 3: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology (HVACR), “font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>which prepares students for employment as a general HVACR mechanic or specialist in fields such as residential air conditioning, commercial refrigeration or heating equipment. Graduates also work at industrial plants, hotels and hospitals.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;”> For more information, call Cathy Gutjahr, Program Manager, at 314-345-5715.
