Alejandro Bunag, a 17-year-old junior at the Civitas School of Leadership on the Edward R. Roybal Learning Center campus in Downtown Los Angeles, spent the Fall 2009 semester in Washington, D.C., as one of 62 high school students from throughout the country and one of 10 students from California taking part in the House Page Program, sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives.

“By providing a unique opportunity for young people to experience first-hand how Congress operates, the House Page Program gave Alejandro a tremendous real-life supplement to his studies at the Civitas School of Leadership where students are groomed to become critical thinkers, creative problem solvers and humane leaders," said Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard who represents the area where the high school is located. "I am very proud of Alejandro.  He is among the many bright students with leadership potential from our community and state who will hopefully take what they've learned as part of this program and return home more knowledgeable about the process and better prepared to one day serve their communities and make a difference."

Alejandro and his fellow Pages spent five months attending the prestigious Page School in the Library of Congress and working in the United States Capitol supporting Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Nominated by Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard for his exemplary scholastic achievements and interest in politics, Alejandro was selected by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to attend the Page Program.

While in Washington, Alejandro maintained a very busy schedule. Arriving at school before 6:45am, he would begin his day in class before heading to work in the U.S. Capitol.  Alejandro’s duties included delivering documents to the cloakrooms, recording Members’ votes on legislation brought to the House Floor, and controlling the bell system that informs Members about the type of activity that is taking place on the floor.

"Being a Page was a remarkable experience," Alejandro said. "It’s a lot of hard work and I had to sacrifice a lot of sleep, but in the end it was worth it."

Alejandro, who lives in Downtown, was Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard’s nominee in the Page Program.  The congresswoman represents California's 34th Congressional District, which includes Bell; Bellflower; Bell Gardens; Boyle Heights; Commerce; Cudahy; Downey; Downtown Los Angeles; Huntington Park; Little Tokyo; Maywood; South Park; Vernon; Walnut Park; and portions of Chinatown, East Los Angeles, Florence, Pico Union, and Westlake.

Alejandro’s experience concluded on January 22.  Except for travel to and from the U.S. Capitol, the U.S. House of Representatives pays for the entire program and provides interns with a stipend during their five month stay in Washington, D.C. To qualify for the nomination, Page applicants must be in their junior year of high school, at least 16 years of age, and have a minimum 3.0 grade point average.