INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — This year, Storm Grove Middle School 8th grader, Chloe Hines, interned as a Page for the House of Representatives in Tallahassee. Hines assisted the Representatives and their staff during a very busy time of the year at the Capitol and saw firsthand the governmental process in action.
Each year Pages are selected to work at the Capitol for one week during the HOR’s regular session. Hines was sponsored by local Representative, Debbie Mayfield for this program.
During her week-long experience, Hines toured the Florida Capitol and visited the House of Representatives’ chambers, visited the Speaker of the House and Governor Rick Scott. As a Page, she sat in on sessions and assisted the Representatives on the house floor delivering messages between various representatives during sessions. This allowed Hines to learn about and participate in the process of the Florida government leaders.
While at the Capitol, Hines met Speaker of the House Steve Crisafulli, Governor Rick Scott, and many Representatives throughout the State of Florida. It was very exciting for Hines, and she said the most important thing she learned from this experience as a Page is the importance of understanding how the government works.
“It is important to pay attention and listen because our lives are affected by the laws being made,” Hines said.
Hines will have the opportunity to participate in this program again; however, she will advance to the position of Messenger. As a Messenger, Hines will work more closely with the Representatives and deliver messages within the Capitol.