Alma teen one of 52 to serve as Senate Page in D.C.

ALMA, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — An Alma teen spent his summer serving in the prestigious Senate Page Program in Washington D.C.

The 17-year-old Landen Coursey was one of 52 pages who helped prepare the U.S. Senate chamber, assisted senators, and supported chamber staff during sessions, according to a news release.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as a Senate Page,” Coursey said. “Being able to experience and play a small part in the inner workings and operations of the Senate has given me a new appreciation for our democratic process and has changed my perspective for the better.”

The rising senior from Alma High School received his appointment from Senator John Boozman (R-AR). Coursey did an “excellent job” supporting daily activities of the Senate, Boozman said.

“I am confident this experience will inspire him to continue exploring his interest in civics and public service,” Boozman said. “Our entire state can be proud of his participation in this prestigious program.”

Coursey serves as the president of the Alma High School student council and is actively involved in the school’s dance team, chamber choir, Model United Nations and National Honor Society. He also participates in community service through his local church.

“I will always look back at this program with fondness and gratitude,” Coursey said.

The Senate Page program began in 1829 when Senator Daniel Webster appointed one of the first Senate pages, a nine-year-old named Grafton Hanson, according to the program’s website .

Today’s Senate pages, appointed by a senator, must be high school juniors, at least 16 years old and attend school. Their duties include delivering correspondence and legislative materials within the Capitol, preparing the Senate Chamber for sessions and carrying bills and amendments.

The program has four sessions: two during the academic year (September to mid-January and mid-January to mid-June) and two shorter summer sessions, according to the U.S. Senate’s website . Pages attend early morning classes at the United States Senate Page School, which is fully accredited.

This year marks 195 years of the tradition.

To learn more about the Senate Page Program, please visit pageprogram.senate.gov .

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