For RDC student Piper Wills, it was the required “brain power” that made the biggest impression.
As the only student representing Clark County in the FRYSCKy Legislative Page Program for the spring term, Piper shadowed Senator Greg Elkins recently at the Kentucky General Assembly.
“I learned that there's a lot that goes into how the government works, and it takes a lot of brain power,” said Piper. “It was a really fun experience. I enjoyed the uniqueness of it and getting to meet people who make important decisions for our state.”
Piper sat in on a legislative session, met several elected officials, and learned a lot about how government works. She saw debates, vote tallies, and discussions on bills that could impact the state.
It was a day to remember.
“It’s an honor and it makes me feel like proud of myself to get to be a page,” she said. “I don’t have any connections in the school system to help me get to do things like this so it’s just me and that means a lot.”
The Legislative Page Program for grades 6-12 is managed by the Family Resource and Youth Services Coalition of Kentucky. FRYSC coordinators nominate students to represent their districts.
A seventh grader at RDC, Piper was chosen for the role because of her leadership, grades, and overall excellence.
“There's such overwhelming interest that to be selected is a true honor,” said RDC YSC Coordinator Whitney Snell. “Piper was selected to be a principal for a day earlier in the year, and her teachers all have great things to say about her. Her involvement in other activities, her grades, and her attendance all were factors in choosing Piper to represent our school and district.”
Besides her outstanding grades and attendance, Piper is part of the Serve and Learn program at RDC which allows students to assist teachers for one period each day. She also is a member of the PTO Student Involvement Committee, which helps plan school events and volunteers in the community.
Spending the day at the Capitol with Senator Elkins was a special experience for Piper.
“What being a legislative page and working with Senator Elkins taught me is that there is so much that goes into the government that I didn't know,” she said. “It was such an honor to be chosen and I’m very appreciative for the opportunity.”
