BY MATTHEW A. WARD
Special to The Tidewater News

WINDSOR
Windsor High School’s Luke Denoncourt gained his first insight into lawmaking in Virginia when his Boy Scout troop visited the legislative buildings in Richmond.

Now the freshman is keenly anticipating the opportunity to delve deeper — he’s been appointed to serve as a page in the House of Delegates.

Luke will spend the 2015 session of the General Assembly immersed in the daily routines of forging the commonwealth’s laws. He’ll assist delegates and legislative staff to do their important work on behalf of citizens.

“I want to go into politics or law and wanted to learn more about politics,” Luke said on why he pursued the opportunity.

He applied online, submitting a letter of recommendation from Delegate Rick Morris (R-Carrollton), as well as an essay.

“There are 41 pages, and I’m going to have a roommate, which I can’t wait to meet,” Luke said.

“I’m not 100-percent sure what to expect, but I think it’s going to be really fun. And I will be with delegates and making new friends, and learning about the legislative process.”

Luke said he wants to be an “educated voter, and not just vote for person that seems the best” — when he reaches voting age.

“I want to at least know why you are voting for somebody,” he said.

As a page, Luke will be on his feet a lot. Page duties include delivering documents and running errands for lawmakers and staffers during the daily floor sessions and committee meetings.

He will be available for assignments in specific House offices, including the speaker’s, clerk’s and governor’s, plus places like the bill room and copy center.

Luke wants to serve in the Navy before pursuing his political ambitions. He cited a love of the water and experience sailing vessels small and large.

In the Navy, “I want to be a surface warfare officer, and go to Annapolis (United States) Naval Academy,” Luke said.

“If I really like it (in the Navy), I might stay in for the full 20 years.”

He said he wants to study political science, and, “maybe when I get out of the military,” obtain a law degree.

Luke suggested young people can “make their voices heard” by connecting with their local delegate. “Send letters or make phone calls,” he suggested.

“You are not in the dark; you have people that listen.”