Southeast Missourian

Justin Voss, a junior at Notre Dame Regional High School, started a five-month term as a U.S. Senate page this week.

"This is the first time our school was invited to nominate students for this position. We received a call from Tom Schulte, a representative from Kit Bond's office in Cape Girardeau, who was recruiting for the position," said Brother David Migliorino, principal of the school. "We considered about six other students and Voss. He was our first choice."

Voss then submitted a resume and an application.

Justin is a student council representative of his junior class, a Scholar Bowl competitor, a member of the Notre Dame Swim Team and FBLA. "He did not want to be away from his school."

His parents enlisted the aid of state Rep. Jason Crowell and others who might be able to help.

Migliorino described the 16-year-old as very religious. "He has the highest moral standards, knows what government is about and should be about," he said.

Voss was blessed at an all-school Mass on Thursday.

The principal told Justin, "You are not allowed to like it. You're allowed to learn a lot but you must come back in January." He added, "I feel bad that he's leaving."

Voss was first rejected for the position. The letter explained his resume and application would be kept on file for the spring semester. But a few days later the Voss' were contacted to find out if Justin was still interested. Another person had dropped out.

"While away at summer camp we received the news," said John Voss, Justin's father and Scoutmaster of Troop 311. "I don't think Justin understood the significance of the opportunity."

Although it has been an emotional roller coaster and the Vosses have mixed emotions seeing their son leave home at 16 for five months, they are excited.

"A lot of effort was necessary to prepare for the trip. We've just been going nonstop," John Voss said.

Working on chapel project

The annual salary of a page is $16,940. Out of that figure, pages are required to cover transportation costs; purchase uniforms consisting of navy blue suits, white shirts, dark socks and black shoes; and housing costs.

Voss, working toward his rank as Eagle Scout, will still delegate tasks to complete his Eagle Scout project at the Chapel of Hope via telephone. He is confident the project will progress while he's away. Intended for use by students of Southeast Missouri State University, the outdoor area he'll create will include seating, landscaping and a barbecue grill.

The Daniel Webster Page Residence, near the Hart Senate Office Building, offers supervised housing. Following classes, which extend until 9:45 a.m. or one hour prior to the commencement of the Senate, pages report for duty and work until 4 p.m. or until the Senate adjourns.

Voss will complete his Spanish III class via the Internet, with direction from his Notre Dame Spanish teacher Mary Ha, because foreign languages are not offered at the U.S. Senate Page School.

Duties will include delivery of correspondence and legislative material within the Congressional Complex, taking messages and calling members to the phone, preparing the chamber for Senate sessions and carrying bills and amendments to the desk. Duties are rotated to allow the opportunity for each page to experience the various areas of service. Pages serve all senators of the same political party as their sponsoring senator.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133