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HOWLAND -- Justin Keating, a senior at Howland High School, has spent time in Washington, D.C. serving as a Senate page. Keating said he has always been intrigued by the political process. He applied for the United States Senate Page Program after learning that it was available to qualified seniors. For the three-week summer session hosted in June, 30 pages were selected. The committee considered GPA, participation in extracurricular activities and leadership potential.
Keating has a 4.39 GPA, is president of his class, serves as the drum major in the band, attended the Notre Dame Summer scholars program, is a quiz bowl participant and a two-time letter winner in golf and tennis. His duties as a page included preparing senator's desks before speeches, ensuring that the clerks had correct copies of amendments, running roll call votes between office buildings, filing decisions and assisting with the general housekeeping of the Senate chamber. He worked under the Senate secretary in the Republican Cloakroom. He said he was able to meet most of the Republican senators and observe the process of speaking and introducing bills.
The political differences between the parties dominate the news cycle, but Keating said that on a personal level the senators get along very well. "There really is a lot of bipartisanship."
Keating said as someone who is interested in history, the opportunity to work in the Senate where so much history happens every day was captivating.
"It was eye opening to observe the process of law making. It deepened my understanding of our nation's government. I am undecided about my future career, but I would consider a future in politics." he said.
Keating credited the teaching staff at Howland High School.
"They have taught me to embrace my strengths and to be a complete person. My history teacher, Mike O'Neil, has inspired me. He has passion that rubs off on his students. Many of his lessons transcend the classroom and apply to your everyday life."
Joe Simko, principal of Howland High School, said "Justin is a brilliant young man. He will be our senior class president next year and I am excited to work with him. His intellect, integrity and leadership are exceptional."