Last week, two local students were granted the opportunity to travel to Frankfort for a day and serve as pages in the Kentucky Senate and House of Representatives. Boston Elementary School’s Gracie Phillips was selected by the Family Resource Youth Services Coalition of Kentucky (FRYSCKy) to represent the Whitley County School District as a page for 82nd District Rep. Nick Wilson, while the Williamsburg Independent School District was represented by Grace Meddles, who served as a page for Senate President Robert Stivers.
Both Phillips and Meddles were asked to share their experiences while in Frankfort with the readers of the News Journal. The following is their own personal accounts of the day’s activities…
From Gracie Phillips, Boston Elememtary:
I recently had the honor to be chosen as a legislative page at our state’s Capitol in Frankfort.
On Wednesday, Feb. 26, I was on my way. I first went to the state Capitol annex building for a tour. The tour guide was great, and made everyone feel at home. He seemed very knowledgeable, knowing all of the details about our beautiful Capitol.
I enjoyed viewing the replica dolls. Their fancy dresses were made from real pieces of the first ladies of the Commonwealth’s dresses. I also enjoyed the Supreme Court room and its huge, over 1,000-lbs. each, chandeliers. I think my favorite room was the state reception room, because of the teamwork of the two infinity mirrors and the three crystal prism chandeliers.
After the tour, I got to enjoy lunch with my FRYSCKY sponsor, friends and family in the Capitol’s annex café. I had chicken strips and fires. The food was great. The café room was very busy and filled with people young and old. There were groups of kids from Future Farmers of America to and 4-H Club from all over Kentucky.
Right after lunch, our tour group got to meet and hear an interesting speech given by Kentucky’s Lieutenant Governor, Jacqueline Coleman. She had begun her career in politics as a teacher.
After this, we walked through the underground tunnel to the state Capitol building. This is where I would begin to serve as page on the legislative chamber floor! I felt very excited to be a part of seeing and hearing the bill passing process. I was placed to serve as page for our 82nd District Rep. Nick Wilson. Mr. Wilson is a special representative in many people’s eyes, because in 2018 he won the thirty-seventh season of the Survivor T.V. contest.
To me, one of the most interesting bills presented on the floor was about whether or not to add fluoride to Kentucky’s public drinking water. This was a long debate with good points on both sides. Another equally important bill was concerning safety issues for blue collar workers. The state representatives who spoke for adding more safety for the workers of Kentucky gave a very moving and personal speech.
There were all kinds of interesting bills trying to be passed. It was exciting to see which one would come up on the big screen next! It was a long day on the chamber floor, but my family, friends, and myself had already decided to stay until the day’s end.
Mr. Wilson and a few of the other state representatives who had pages that day had graciously stayed over to have photos made with their pages and talk afterwards. I couldn’t have met a nicer, more genuine representative to page for. This day had been blessed.
From Grace Meddles, WISD:
Meddles’ sponsor explained that, each year, the FRYSCKy offers the FRYSC Page Day Program, with every center across the state having the opportunity to nominate a student to serve as a page for the legislator representing their county.
Williamsburg Independent School District FRYSC selected sophomore Grace Meddles as its representative this year.
Daughter of Dustin and Chandal Chinn, Meddles is described as a dedicated, hard-working, and accomplished individual. She is highly accomplished academically, and maintains a busy schedule with Beta Club, volleyball, cheer, and working after school and on weekends as a cashier.
On Feb. 25, Grace traveled to the state capital to serve as a page for Senate President Robert Stivers. While serving, she engaged in the learning of how a bill becomes a law. She said the highlights of the day included meeting Senator Stivers, meeting Miss Kentucky [Chapel Tinius], and sharing the experience with other students representing FRYSC, as well as those representing military families.
After high school, Grace says she aspires to use her work ethic and academic prowess to pursue a career as a cosmetologist.
