Press Releases
Springdale Teen Serves as Senate Page
Aug 03 2023
WASHINGTON –– Nora Shitandi is familiar with the halls of Har-Ber High School and this summer she learned to navigate the corridors of the U.S. Capitol as a Senate Page.
Shitandi served as one of 48 Senate Pages who prepared the Senate chamber for the day’s business by distributing documents to senators’ desks, assisting in the cloakrooms, supporting chamber staff, and – when Congress is in session – sitting near the dais waiting to help members delivering remarks or casting votes.
“I was honored to be chosen as a Senate Page, and I was proud to represent Arkansas in Washington, D.C. My experience surpassed my expectations, as every day on the job felt surreal. I was able to see legislators debating and passing bills while aiding the functions of the Senate, and that is an experience I will never forget,” Shitandi said.
The 17-year-old rising senior from Springdale earned her appointment to the position from U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR).
“I’m proud of the work Nora did to support the Senate. She had a front-row seat to a unique lesson on American government that I am hopeful will encourage a lifetime of civic engagement. Arkansans can be proud to have been represented by her in this prestigious program,” Boozman said.
Shitandi is an accomplished student who will be serving as senior class president and debate captain this school year. She is active in many other extracurricular activities including mock trial where she is an award-winning participant. She is also involved in Model United Nations, Congressional Debate and Arkansas Student Congress where she earned an award for best delegate.
Nora is the daughter of Eva Ouma and Jeremi Summerhill.
The Senate Page program started in 1829 when Senator Daniel Webster appointed the first Senate Page. Today, the program is a unique, highly selective opportunity for high school juniors with a strong academic standing to learn firsthand about the institution often referred to as “the world’s greatest deliberative body.”
Senate Page Nora Shitandi and Senator John Boozman