Students from Portsmouth Public Schools (PPS) have routinely been selected to take part in the Virginia Page Program, a highly competitive and fully immersive educational opportunity where chosen students perform various jobs during the Virginia General Assembly in Richmond, Va. This prestigious program has been in operation since 1850.
This year, Churchland Middle School’s Makayla Deason and I. C. Norcom High School Freshman De'Vionne Harris continue the division’s legacy of service, with Deason serving as a House Page and Harris serving as a Senate Page.
According to the Virginia Page Program, their mission is “to facilitate a structured environment in which young Virginians accept responsibility and accountability, develop professional characteristics through strict standards of conduct and engage in the legislative process through work, observation and discussion.”
Harris described himself as “exuberant” about his election.
“I am looking forward to enhancing my leadership skills by working alongside the government officials in the Senate,” Harris said. “I also look forward to working together with other young leaders from across the state.”
Pages spend six weeks in the Virginia State Capitol Building during the program. During this time, they act as messengers for elected officials, helping to run errands, deliver documents, answer phones and otherwise assist in their respective chambers.
They do all of this while also managing their schoolwork as well as following a rigorous curriculum specific to just the pages. Students will attend legislative sessions and also classes pertaining to etiquette, money management, cyber security, current events and life after the Virginia Page Program. The program concludes with a capstone project of a mock legislative session as well as completing a community service project with a local non-profit organization.
The commitment may seem daunting to some, but thanks to the support from teachers and administrators they have encountered on their academic journeys thus far, they feel prepared for the challenge.
“I have already gained valuable and applicable skills since starting high school, such as resume writing, interviewing and business management through the DECA Club,” Harris said. “These experiences have helped me build professionalism, responsibility and confidence that will support my success as a Senate Page.”
“De'Vionne Harris represents the best of what it means to be a Greyhound and a Portsmouth Public Schools scholar,” said Teesha Sanders, principal of I. C. Norcom High School. “As a member of the Principal’s Advisory Committee, his leadership, respect for others and commitment to growth reflect the pride and legacy of I.C. Norcom High School, and I know this experience will strengthen his voice and leadership while allowing him to bring a meaningful perspective back to our school.”
Deason is also an active scholar, participating in the National Junior Honor Society, sports and a host of other extracurricular organizations while maintaining exemplary grades.
“Makayla is an Honor Roll student with a strong work ethic who takes pride in her academic performance and consistently strives for excellence in all she does,” said Tiffany Myers, the school counseling director at Churchland Middle School. “She consistently demonstrates the character, responsibility and leadership qualities that make her an excellent candidate for this opportunity.”
The Virginia Page Program will culminate with a graduation ceremony held in Richmond in mid-March.