Junior Named U.S. Senate Page
St. Johnsbury Academy junior Colby Switser will be serving as a page in the U.S. Senate in Washington, D.C., during the spring semester.
Thirty high school juniors serve as pages in the Senate in each legislative session, 16 from the majority and 14 from the minority, and each page is nominated by a Senator. Colby’s page application was sponsored by Senator Patrick Leahy. The application process also involves filling out an application, writing an essay, collecting letters of reference, submitting grades, and an in-person interview.
Once they arrive in Washington, D.C., pages live in Webster Hall, which is located near the Capital. They attend classes in Webster Hall from 6:15 a.m. until the Senate goes into session. They then work as employees of the Senate carrying messages and documents, setting up tables, and doing other odd jobs for Senators.
SJA Headmaster Tom Lovett said, “I am very excited for Colby. The other Academy students who have had this kind of experience have come back with not only new appreciation and knowledge of the workings of our government, but also a deeper commitment to public service. It is an honor for him to be selected, and both he and his family should be very proud. I look forward to seeing the great things that will come from this experience, both for Colby and the communities he serves.”
