High school seniors and college students are encouraged to apply
(Long Island, NY) After a successful inaugural year, the Suffolk County Legislature will again sponsor a Summer Page Program for graduating high school seniors and college students, Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory announced today.
“We are so excited to once again welcome students to participate in our Summer Page Program,” Presiding Officer Gregory said. “The program offers students a unique, insider perspective on how government works – a perspective they cannot get in a classroom – and helps them develop essential professional skills. We are grateful for the enthusiasm, spirit, and thirst for knowledge these students bring to the office each day and can’t wait to welcome the next class of Pages to the Legislature.”
Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory and Legislator Kate Browning with the 2015 Suffolk County Legislature Pages. Photo Credit: Suffolk County.
The 11-week program, which is slated to begin on Saturday, May 21, will provide Pages with an opportunity to work directly with the legislator with whom they have been paired. Throughout the week, Pages will work out of the district offices, where they will conduct legislative research, contribute material to the legislators’ social media presence, and engage in constituent service.
Each Friday, Pages will report to the Legislature’s William H. Rogers Building for workshops and lectures on leadership and government. The students will even debate mock legislation. The program will conclude on Aug. 5 with a graduation ceremony hosted by Presiding Officer Gregory.
“I started my career in public service as an intern for the New York State Assembly,” Deputy Presiding Officer Rob Calarco said. “Working for local government showed me that we can dedicate an entire career to helping those in our community by tackling challenging problems. I encourage young people to join our Page program to explore this exciting work we do every day.”
“Working as a Page for the Suffolk County Legislature will expose students to all of the diverse components that comprise a local government,” said Minority Caucus Leader and 14th District Legislator Kevin McCaffrey. “Pages working in the program will have the ability to hone their skills in writing, public relations, research, and general office operations – all vital in a competitive job market. This is a wonderful opportunity for all involved, and I very much look forward to working with the Pages this summer.”
“The Page program’s first year was a great success,” 3rd District Legislator Kate Browning said. “These young professionals gained invaluable experience at the Legislature, and I know they will all be successful in whatever they choose to do. I am looking forward to continuing the program for future groups so that we can continue to grow and mold the next generation of leaders.”
“I am looking forward to another summer of the Legislature Page program. Last year, we had many bright young minds come together to learn the inner-workings of our legislative body, and I have high hopes for this year’s program,” 12th District Legislator Leslie Kennedy said. “I look forward to working with all the students who choose to work with the Legislature this summer.”
“The 2015 Page Program was a great experience,” said Kristen Lomando of Sayville, a 2015 Page Program alumna. “I really enjoyed participating in the mock caucuses and the mock General Meetings. A year after the Page Program, many of my fellow Pages and I still keep in touch. I felt the program was such a rewarding experience that I have returned to the Legislature to help with this year’s program. I would strongly recommend the Page Program to any young adult who may be interested in local government or politics.”
Suffolk residents over the age of 18 with a high school diploma or a GED are encouraged to apply. For more information on this year’s Suffolk County Legislature Page Program, please call Amy Ellis, Chief Deputy Clerk, at 631-853-6351.
