Student pages visit NWI lawmakers at the Statehouse

STATEHOUSE (March 23, 2022) – Northwest Indiana lawmakers recently welcomed local students to the Statehouse where they participated in the Indiana House Page Program.

According to State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point), the students toured offices of all branches of government in the Statehouse, helped staff with daily responsibilities and joined lawmakers on the House floor to witness the legislative process.

"This program is an educational experience that is perfect for any student interested in learning about their state government," Olthoff said. "It's amazing to have students from my district participating and helping me out at the Statehouse because they are all so talented. This program is one of a kind, and I recommend it to all young Hoosiers."

These area students served as pages during the 2022 legislative session:

• Bryce Bernard, from Valparaiso, attends Valparaiso High School;
• Grace Byvoets, from Valparaiso, a homeschooled student;
• Rebecca Byvoets, from Valparaiso, a homeschooled student;
• Scarlett Lubeck, from Valparaiso, attends Liberty Intermediate School;
• Madeleine McCarther, from La Porte, attends Seton Catholic High School;
• Natalie Morris, from Crown Point, attends Crown Point High School;
• Colton Neal, from Hebron, attends Crown Point High School;
• Elizabeth Nelson, from Valparaiso, a homeschooled student; and
• Hayden Smith, from Crown Point, attends Crown Point High School.

"I always enjoy hearing from and meeting with students from our community," said State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie). "Being a page is a great way for young Hoosiers to get a behind-the-scenes look and learn how their state government works. I hope more students from our area take advantage of this rewarding opportunity."

State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) said students between the ages of 13 and 18 should consider participating during the 2023 session.

"Seeing young Hoosiers from our community taking the trip down to the Statehouse to get involved is always exciting," Soliday said. "By participating in this program, pages get to connect with their local leaders and work alongside them for the day."

For more information call 1-800-382-9841 or email Olthoff at H19@iga.in.gov, Pressel at H20@iga.in.gov or Soliday at H4@iga.in.gov.

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State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) represents House District 19,
which includes a portion of Lake and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) represents House District 20,
which includes portions of LaPorte and Starke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) represents House
District 4, which includes a portion of Porter County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

High-resolution photos can be accessed by clicking on the page’s
name above or by visiting State Rep. Julie Olthoff's Flickr page, State Rep. Jim Pressel's Flickr page or State Rep. Ed Soliday's Flickr page.