Birch bark texture.

Ahtna Kanas Summer 2018

Ahtna Shareholder Experiences Senate Page Duties in Juneau

By Ve’dra Bechtol, Ahtna, Inc.

Photo of Madison Bechtol
Madison Bechtol, Guest Page in Juneau, Alaska

Madison Bechtol spent her spring break in Juneau as a Guest Page. Madison is the Granddaughter of John and Carolyn Craig and Rebecca Bechtol. She is the daughter of Matthew and Ve’dra Bechtol. Madison is an Ahtna descendant and 11 years old. Her Aunt, Elizabeth Bechtol hosted Madison and is working as a Page herself. As a Guest Page, Madison helped set up meetings, pass out bills and other important documents while providing support that assisted Senators during the floor session. The young Page said it was a lot of fun and that she learned a lot but still plans to be a paleontologist or writer when she grows up.

Senate pages come from all 50 states and must be appointed and sponsored by a Senator. To be eligible, they must be high school juniors, at least sixteen years old, and attend school. Senate page duties consist primarily of delivery of correspondence and legislative material within the Congressional complex. Other duties include preparing the chamber for Senate sessions, and carrying bills and amendments to the desk. Pages attend classes in the early morning at the United States Senate Page School, a program fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Contact your senator’s office for more information on applying to be a Senate Page or visit www.senate.gov/reference/reference_index_subjects/Pages_vrd.htm