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Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

Tag: Texas State Capitol

Young Ms. Wion Goes to Austin

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.

LEAP Center, Texas State Capitol, SHSU, Page, Alissa Wion, Ernest Bailes
Alissa Wion at Representative Ernest Bailes’ 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).

alissas-name-tag-for-page

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.

LEAP Center, Texas State Capitol, SHSU, Page, Alissa Wion, Ernest Bailes, LEAP Ambassadors
Richard Yawn, Karla Rosales, Christina Perez, and Dorothy Yawn

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.

Author mikeyawnPosted on February 17, 2017Format AsideCategories Civic Engagement, Jobs, Politics, TravelTags LEAP Center, Representative Ernest Bailes, Sam Houston Austin Internship Program, SHSU, Texas State CapitolLeave a comment on Young Ms. Wion Goes to Austin

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