State Rep. Cory Criswell of Middletown is opening doors for local students to get a real-world education in politics through the Indiana House Page Program, according to a recent article by the Indiana House Republicans. The students, notably from the New Castle and Greensboro areas, are getting an inside look at the legislative process, where they're not just observing but actively participating in the daily grind of state government.
It's not every day that middle and high schoolers can rub elbows with state legislators, but Dane Purvis, Ellie Hall, Nora Hamilton, and Xavier Wilkinson have done just this, navigating the halls of power, learning the ropes of governance and the importance of civic engagement directly from the Statehouse floor. They were given the chance to assist lawmakers, staff, and took guided tours, Criswell noted, "The page program offers an excellent opportunity to learn firsthand what state government does"; their time spent in this program could shape their perspective on public service for years to come.
Watching these youths take their first steps into such a grand building as the Statehouse, where they watch democracy unfold is a profound reminder of the importance of engaging younger generations in the political sphere, it's a hopeful sign that perhaps some will carry this experience with them, inspire to one day lead, represent, innovate in those very halls. "From networking with legislators to experiencing a professional environment, there is something for all students interested in government to take away," said Criswell, underlining the broad scope of experiences served by the page program for would-be young Hoosiers in government.
