Norton Appoints Cardozo High School Student to Begin Serving as House Page Today (1/28/08)

January 28, 2008

dscn1273 Norton Appoints Cardozo High School Student to Begin Serving as House Page Today
January 28, 2008

Washington, D.C. - The Office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today announced that she has selected Ashley Shanetta Pierce, a junior at Cardozo Senior High School, to serve as a congressional page in the 2008 Democratic Spring Page Program, beginning today. A slot opened only recently and Norton's office quickly circulated applications to schools, libraries and community organizations. "I jump for these slots when other members can't fill their slots," Norton said. Otherwise slots are awarded on a seniority basis and the wait for each member's turn takes time. Page positions are much sought-after and highly competitive. Students are required to have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA throughout their high school career and must be in the 11^th grade to be eligible for the program. Norton said that she was delighted that a significant number of D.C. students who applied were exceptionally well-qualified.

"Ashley's application shows that she is a leader in her school and community and I am certain that she will make D.C. proud," Norton said. The 16 year old wrote in her autobiographical statement, "Everywhere I go I try to leave a positive mark or some type of change because I believe that the legacy you leave can only be by words, not by anything materialistic...[on] the path of leadership and perseverance. That is why I would like to be a Congressional Page."

Norton, who met with Pierce and her parents Friday, said she was particularly proud of the student's accomplishments, and of her family, for their guidance.

Congresswoman Norton last had a page during the 2005 summer program. The page program will run through June 6, 2008. The pages play an important role in the congressional process, get to see Congress in action on the floor, and participate in other educational activities. Pages work in the cloakroom and assist in the preparation of House floor sessions. The students, who live in page dorms, also go on educational field trips.

Pictured from left: Steven Pierce (father), Ashley Pierce, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Ariel Pierce (sister), April Pierce (mother)