Ciara Nelson will be traveling to Pierre to work as a page while our state’s Congress is in session. Each legislative session, high school students from across South Dakota have an opportunity for a firsthand look at the legislative process by serving as pages for the South Dakota Legislature. Pages are appointed to serve in the House of Representatives or the Senate for seven to ten days during one of the five term periods.

Students that would like to serve as a page for the South Dakota Legislature must meet certain requirements:

• Be a high school junior or senior.

• Have a signed sponsored sponsorship approval by a current legislature or legislator elect.

• Have written permission from school and parents or legal guardian.

• Student must have two written letters of recommendation.

Ciara applied in October and was notified in December that she was chosen to be a page in the House. She will be working as a page and assisting the Representatives with their daily activities. Some of her responsibilities will include delivering mail, answering phone calls, and delivering messages, and setting up committee meeting areas. She will also attend daily afternoon floor sessions as well as assist legislators and staff as needed.

Ciara is sponsored by Rocky Blare from our own legislative district. While being a page, Ciara will meet with our governor, Kristi Noem, and have supper with her and the First Gentleman in the governor’s house. Kristi Noem will also give a tour of her home for the pages after the supper. Ciara will take an oath of office on her first day in Pierre and over the two-week span, she will lead the Pledge of Allegiance once in an opening session.

This is an amazing opportunity for Ciara. She looks forward to the learning experience of seeing how our state’s Congress works in the House.