(WASHINGTON, DC) – Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) has selected Sam Balasz of Charlevoix, Michigan to be a Congressional Page for the U.S. House of Representatives for the 2007 spring semester.   As a Congressional Page, Balasz will be employed by the U.S. House of Representatives for a semester, while also continuing his high school studies in Washington, DC.  

“Sam has an impressive record of achievement and he will benefit a great deal from this unique opportunity to see the legislative process up close,” Stupak said.  “While a number of extraordinary young people from across northern Michigan applied for the position and it was difficult to select just one, I believe Sam to be a smart, motivated young man who will bring a lot to the Page program.”

Sam is currently in his junior year at Charlevoix High School where he has been active in school athletics, lettering in cross-country and playing both basketball and baseball.  Last year, Balasz attended a mission trip to Cameroon Africa where he assisted his father, who is a dentist, in providing dental care to the local population.

Balasz said that his recent appointment as a Page has stirred in him a new interest in politics. 

“Before being accepted into the Page program I was pretty much focused on a career in health care,” said Balasz.  “Since being accepted to the Page program, I have broadened my interests and follow politics much more closely.”

“Sam really has taken an interest in Washington and the legislative process,” his mother, Kris, added.  “These days I often find him watching C-Span.” 

Through the House Page Program, high school juniors spend a semester studying in Washington and working for the House.  Balasz will leave Charlevoix for Washington this month to join the spring page program. The spring term begins January 28, 2007 and ends on Friday, June 8 of 2007.   Congressional Pages receive a stipend for their work and continue their high school studies during the program.  Pages have served the House for more than 200 years.

“The Page program is an amazing opportunity for a young person to see how the House of Representatives works day in and day out,” Stupak said.  “I know Sam will represent northern Michigan well and benefit tremendously from this experience.”

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