by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Two local middle schoolers are getting a jump on learning the ins and outs of the legislative process thanks to a couple members of the Duval Delegation.
Sixth-graders Elyna Darby of Darnell Cookman and Enandi Diamond of Oceanway are currently in Tallahassee working with the legislative aides of State Rep. and Duval Delegation Chair Jennifer Carroll and State Rep. Audrey Gibson as House Pages for a week.
“I was a little nervous at first but I’m excited now,” said Darby. “It’s been pretty fun to see everything.”
For nearly 30 years, Florida’s House of Representatives has allowed interested students to take part in a week-long program during session that allows participating students to learn a little about the legislative process, the history of Florida and Tallahassee culture.
Though she was too young to participate last year, Darby, accompanied by her grandfather Richard Darby, participated in the program last week and said she learned a lot — even with all the information and planned activities House Pages participate in.
Richard Darby watched her every step of the way, camera in hand, and said he was excited for his granddaughter to be able to enjoy the experience.
“It’s great,” said Richard Darby, a former chair of the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization citizen’s advisory committee and retired worker. “They’re the first group of pages to go into session ... it’s a great learning experience.”
Richard Darby wasn’t the only one proud.
“I’m thrilled,” said Charlene Diamond, who accompanied her daughter, Enandi, to Tallahassee for the program. “She’s doing really well and it’s all so interesting.”
Charlene Diamond said the opportunity for her daughter was brought up through her local youth ministry program and her acceptance and accompanying experience has been a blessing.
“From learning about the history of Florida through different tours or even being introduced to some of the technology the local offices use, I feel it’s been a valuable experience for her,” said Charlene Diamond, as Enandi worked with Gibson’s aide Hank Rogers.
The two went on tours of local museums, information technology departments, governors mansion and sat in on a couple committee meetings, but one of the most hands-on activities involved learning about and creating amendments and proposals for various mock bills — with the designated topic for the two involving protection for homeless people against abuse. The proposals were then presented at a Pages Mock Committee meeting.
“I was excited about it (House page program),” said Enandi Diamond.
But given the experience, could the two one day pursue office and sponsor House Pages of their own?
“If it’s something I really wanted to pursue I think I would,” said Elyna Darby, who spent the week working with Carroll’s aide Michelle Fowler. “You can tell it’s hard work.”
Enandi Diamond said she could see the line of work in her future.
“Being a (State) Representative is something I want to do,” she said. “It’s exciting working with so many people.”
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