Being a small, exclusive organization, the LEAP Ambassadors begin recruiting promising candidates years in advance…
By Alissa Wion, age 9
On Thursday February 16, 2017, I traveled to the State Capital of Texas in Austin. I was selected to serve as an Honorary Page in the House of Representatives by Representative Ernest Bailes.
When I first arrived I was taken on a tour of the Capital by Sarah Flautt, a real Page. As an honorary page it was my duty to be a helper to her. During this tour, Sarah took me to see the State Treasury, where I saw a very old printing press. I assisted her by bringing name plates to the offices of the Sergeants of the House. I was able to go in a special underground tunnel and a private elevator, that only Pages have access to. I met my sponsor, Representative Ernest Bailes, who brought me to the front of the House Chamber where I was able to tap the gavel and even got to sit at his desk.
As part of the Honorary Page program, I received a key chain as a souvenir, as well as a kid’s guide to the Texas House of Representative booklet. I also got to keep my name tag that I received when I arrived (even though my name was misspelled).
While I was busy doing real work, my travel escorts (Richard and Dorothy Yawn) spent much of the morning doing photo ops and otherwise engaged in frivolities.
Overall, I really enjoyed my experience as an Honorary Page, especially meeting Representative Bailes and learning how important a Page’s work is to the House of Representatives.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 