Honolulu, Hawaii -- Stephanie Diaz has been learning about the federal government, and particularly the workings of Congress, in her advanced placement (AP) history class at Waipahu High School this fall. Today, the 16-year-old junior got a surprise visit by Congressman Neil Abercrombie who dropped in to her history class to announce that he had selected her to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives Page Program in Washington, D.C.

“Stephanie is an outstanding young lady and I’m proud to sponsor her participation in the House Page Program” said Abercrombie.  “This spring semester will be an amazing experience for her; something I’m sure she’ll remember and treasure for the rest of her life.”

Diaz had taken a seat in her history class at 1:25 this afternoon when Abercrombie entered the room to make the announcement which was greeted by the applause of her classmates and history teacher David Jakahi and tears of joy from Diaz.

Abercrombie last month was given the rare opportunity of selecting a page from his First Congressional District. Selected House members—on a rotating basis—are tapped by the Speaker of the House to fill 72 Page positions for a semester or summer session. Following a month-long search and selection process, Abercrombie named Diaz to receive his appointment to the program.

Diaz will be going to Washington, D.C. to work in the U.S. House and to attend the Page School at the Library of Congress for the 2008 spring semester which runs from January 27, 2008-June 6, 2008. She will live in the House Page Residence Hall on Capitol Hill. The Page School also sponsors Washington Seminars for the students, featuring field trips and notable speakers.

A major part of the program involves working in the U.S. House, carrying correspondence and documents from office to office, answering telephones in the Cloakrooms, or carrying messages to Members in the House Chamber during debates.

Diaz is the daughter of Ramon and Christine Diaz of Waipahu.

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