La Plata, Md. — Semaj Thomas, a College of Southern Maryland Early College student and La Plata High School senior, completed service as one of four Charles County Public Schools representatives in the Maryland General Assembly Student Page Program.
Thomas participated in two separate weeks in Annapolis during the 2026 legislative session, gaining direct exposure to the state lawmaking process. The program, which began in 1970, selects high school seniors statewide to assist in legislative chambers, attend sessions, committee hearings and interact with lawmakers.
Thomas initially hesitated to apply because the opportunity is limited to seniors. He stepped forward anyway, drawing on advice from his parents. “This program was out of my comfort zone,” Thomas said. “I tried to remember what my parents say, just try. It was an inspiring experience, and a lesson to continue to try new things.”
Highlights included attending Governor Wes Moore’s State of the State address and meeting state leaders such as Gov. Moore, House Speaker Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk, Senate President Bill Ferguson and Charles County representatives. The experience strengthened his interest in civic engagement and motivated him to encourage other young people to get involved in local government.
Before serving as a page, Thomas joined five CSM students at Student Advocacy Day in Annapolis. That event allowed community college students to share personal stories and advocate for increased state funding for affordable, high-quality education.
Thomas is set to graduate this spring with both a high school diploma from La Plata High School and an associate degree in business administration from CSM. He serves as treasurer of CSM’s business and accounting club and as a student government association representative. Previously at North Point High School, he acted as SGA liaison for the Class of 2026.
Influenced by his grandfather’s government work, Thomas sought to understand how legislation affects everyday people. “I’ve always had that curiosity to learn more and try new things, even if I didn’t think I would fit in,” he said. “Why not just try it? It’s really what you make of it. The Page Program opened my eyes to the importance of making connections and showed me there’s more out there than politics.”
In December 2025, Charles County selected Thomas alongside Paola Cercos Teverino from North Point High School, Neala Rooney from La Plata High School and Noah Williams from North Point High School as alternate. Pages serve one week in the first half of the 90-day session, which ran from Jan. 14 to April 13, and one week in the final portion.
Thomas will continue his education at the University of Maryland, studying mechanical engineering. He hopes to pursue a career in engineering and innovation policy development, blending technical expertise with legislative insight gained from the program.
College of Southern Maryland President Dr. Yolanda M. Williams praised dual-enrollment students like Thomas for demonstrating leadership and ambition. Early College programs at CSM allow high school students to earn college credits toward associate degrees while completing secondary requirements, providing a seamless path to further education and workforce readiness.
Southern Maryland’s participation in the Student Page Program underscores the region’s commitment to preparing young leaders. Charles County Public Schools, serving more than 27,000 students, emphasizes civic education and real-world experiences that connect classroom learning to state government operations.
Thomas reflected on both the Page Program and Advocacy Day as opportunities that pushed personal growth. Each required stepping outside familiar routines, building confidence and expanding his view of public service.
