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Minnesota House reads resolution recognizing 50th anniversary of High School Page Program
Summary
Members of the Minnesota House of Representatives read a resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Minnesota High School Page Program, noted its bipartisan support and history, and acknowledged past staff and lawmakers who sustained the program. Eight current pages attended the floor reading.
The Minnesota House of Representatives read a resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Minnesota High School Page Program, highlighting the program's bipartisan support, its origins, and contributors; eight current pages were noted as being present.
Members said the program, begun in the mid-1970s after Minnesota Speaker Martin Olav Sabo learned of a similar program in Maryland, brings high school juniors from across the state to St. Paul for a week of service and civic learning. "From its beginning, the page program has enjoyed broad bipartisan support in this House," Representative Baker said as part of the resolution reading.
The resolution text reviewed the program's history and named people and offices credited with sustaining it. It says the program was launched after Speaker Sabo visited the Maryland State House in 1973 and that MJ Hedstrom led the program for its first six years. The floor remarks also acknowledged chief sergeants who have supported the program, including Bob Meyerson and Laurie Hodap, and singled out former House member Jean Pawlowski and former chief clerk Patrick Duffy Murphy for long-term mentorship.
Representative Robbins recalled Speaker Sabo's trip to Maryland and the program's founding. Representative Lee Kaye and other members emphasized the program's role in encouraging civic engagement among young Minnesotans. The reading noted that "2025 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Minnesota high school page program" and that eight newly minted pages joined the session this week.
Representative Nash read the resolving clause on the floor, stating that "the House recognizes the fiftieth anniversary of the Minnesota High School page program and extends its best wishes for continued success as the program pursues its well established and noble mission." Nash also noted informally that cookies were available in the chamber to celebrate the anniversary.
The transcript records applause when former Representative Jean Pawlowski was announced as present in the chamber. The record does not include a roll-call vote on the resolution or a formal motion to adopt it; the resolution language was read on the floor and the chamber observed the milestone.
Background provided in the resolution reading states the program was inspired by a Maryland General Assembly student-page initiative and that the Minnesota program has continually brought students to the Capitol for direct civic exposure. Speakers characterized the program as influential in participants' lives, with one former page described in the reading as saying the experience was "truly special" and life-shaping.
No funding, statutory changes, or implementation directives were included in the floor reading. The session remarks focused on commemoration, recognition of contributors, and encouragement for the program's future.
