CHARLES COUNTY, Md., Dec. 20, 2024—Four seniors from Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) have been selected to represent the school system in the prestigious Maryland General Assembly Student Page Program. These students will participate in the upcoming legislative session, gaining firsthand experience in the state’s lawmaking processes.
The selected students are:
- Gesselle Treminio Reyes (Westlake High School)
- Emonee Rhynes (Maurice J. McDonough High School)
- Ava Rowledge (Maurice J. McDonough High School)
- Leila Harrison (North Point High School, alternate)
About the Student Page Program
The Maryland General Assembly Student Page Program allows high school seniors to work alongside legislators, attend committee hearings, and engage in daily legislative sessions. More than 100 students statewide participate annually, with three representatives and one alternate chosen from each school system.
Students serve two nonconsecutive weeks during the legislative session, which runs from mid-January to early April. The selection process is competitive, requiring an application and an interview before a panel of judges.
Meet the Representatives
Gesselle Treminio Reyes
A senior at Westlake High School, Treminio Reyes is active in her school’s theater program, mock trial team, and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) safety cadet program. She plans to attend the University of Maryland, College Park, to study criminal justice and criminology, with aspirations to work for the CCSO.
“I hope to use this program to gain insight into the criminal justice field and help those who lack knowledge about the system,” she said.
Emonee Rhynes
Rhynes, a senior at Maurice J. McDonough High School, balances academics with leadership roles as captain of her school’s basketball and volleyball teams, member of the jazz band, and participant in Key Club and mock trial. She aims to pursue a career in family law after earning a degree in political science and attending law school.
“I’ve always been interested in legislation and civic engagement,” Rhynes said. “Volunteering and making an impact on youth are my passions.”
Ava Rowledge
Rowledge, another senior from McDonough, is president of the school’s student government association and a member of various sports teams. She plans to double major in international relations and political science, minor in business administration, and eventually earn her JD and MBA to work in international policy.
“Meeting new people and learning about government motivated me to apply for the program,” she said. She also crochets blankets for Project Linus, donating them to children in need.
Leila Harrison (Alternate)
A senior at North Point High School, Harrison is an executive officer in the school’s ROTC program and participates in softball, wrestling, and other extracurricular activities. She plans to enlist in the Air Force after high school, with aspirations to enter politics after retiring from the military.
Harrison noted her interest in the student page program stemmed from a desire to make a difference in her community.
A Unique Opportunity
The student page program is designed to foster leadership, civic engagement, and a deeper understanding of the legislative process. Students will work with the Maryland Senate or House of Delegates and interact with legislators and staff, gaining valuable experience for their future careers.
To learn more about the Maryland General Assembly Student Page Program, visit CCPS Student Page Program.
