Herricks Student Heading To Nation's Capital To Be Senate Page

NEW HYDE PARK, NY — Few teenagers can say they've rubbed elbows with prominent political leaders or had a front-row seat to the inner workings of U.S. policymaking.

But soon, one Herricks High School student will do it all.

Namit Kapoor, a junior, has been selected to participate in the U.S. Senate Pages Program, according to a press release. Representing the State of New York, Kapoor is one of 30 students from across the country to participate in the prestigious program.

Since the early 19th century, the Senate has employed pages to assist lawmakers in the Chamber. According to the U.S. Senate, the earliest pages were relatives of Senate employees, some as young as nine years old. But today's pages must be high school juniors and get appointed and sponsored by a senator. Kapoor was sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D).

Senate pages are primarily responsible for delivering correspondence and legislative material within the Capitol complex. Other duties include preparing the Chamber for Senate sessions and carrying bills and amendments to the desk, according to the program's online description.

"The more I learned about the program, the more I wanted it," Kapoor said.

There are four established page sessions, two of which run during the academic year. Kapoor will be in Washington, D.C., from January to June.

Like other pages before him, Kapoor will attend early morning classes at the United States Senate Page School, a program fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Kapoor, who always had an interest in politics, credited an internship that focused on policy research, Herricks High School, and his parents as contributors to his achievement.

"I'm ecstatic," said Herricks High School Principal Joan Keegan. "Namit is so accomplished, humble, and kind. I can't think of a better person to represent Herricks."

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Fino Celano said: "This amazing honor is a credit to Namit's hard work and many accomplishments as a student at Herricks High School. I am certain that he will learn a great deal and always remember this experience. We are all so very proud of Namit!"

To be considered for the Senate Pages program, all applicants must submit a cover letter, a listing of extracurricular activities, a recent high school transcript, and three letters of recommendation. Eligibility is limited to students who are 16 or 17 years of age and entering their junior year of high school.