- April 19, 2024
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Nathan Monsanto and Denis Dineen, eighth-grade students at St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton School, listened to a proposed law at the Florida House of Representatives and cast their vote.
“Several of us were not happy with the proposal, and we voted against it,” Monsanto said.
The two were participating in a mock session as part of the Florida House of Representatives Page and Messenger Program, in Tallahassee.
Dating back to 1865, Florida has employed a tradition of pages and messengers in the Florida House of Representatives.
Every year, approximately 240 students have the opportunity to participate in one of nine weeks of Regular Session. Each of the 120 elected members may choose one messenger and one page to serve during the session, according to myfloridahouse.gov.
Monsanto and Dineen both said their favorite part of the program was being able to work on the floor of the House of Representatives.
“I got to hear some interesting debates about bills being considered this session,” Dineen said.
In addition, both boys had the opportunity to tour the Capitol, current and historic, the Supreme Court, the Governor’s Mansion and the State Museum.
“I think it’s an amazing opportunity for them to experience the legislation in action — they were exposed to variety of experiences,” said Vincent Saladino, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School principal. He indicated that he was pleased the boys were prepared for the task.
Although both boys were interested in government before the trip to Tallahassee, Dineen said being part of the page program brought the process to life for him.
“This experience has given me a better appreciation of what our lawmakers have to go through,” Monsanto added. “I am now thinking more about a vocation where I could help guide decisions about our future.”
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School is located at 4600 Belle Terre Parkway.
Contact Shanna Fortier at [email protected].
