Page for a Day

In April, two Brewster students literally had a front-row seat to see how laws are made in New Hampshire. Atticus Baden ’26 and Will Baldwin ’26 participated in the N.H. House of Representatives’ “Page for a Day” program. After being introduced on the House floor, they had some official duties (including handing out the voting results from bill actions), but mostly they observed the democratic process—floor speeches, votes, calls to order, and recess.

“I learned a lot about behind-the-scenes things. I sat in the cabinet room for the Republicans for a bit and they had a fruitful conversation,” Will, an aspiring political scientist, said. “I found it funny that the members would trash talk a little from their seats.”

“Both Will and Atticus learned about levels and branches of government during the fall of this year as part of my U.S. History class,” history faculty member and program organizer Jonathan Browher said. “So it was wonderful to see them able to make connections with their learning and to ask informed questions.”

The pair learned about the difference between voice, split, and roll call votes, as well as decorum and procedures. “They also saw the logistics that support lawmaking,” Mr. Browher shared, “from behemoth Xerox printers to meticulously organized cubbies and files in the Clerk’s office. We even found a plaque dedicated to Wolfeboro & Tuftonboro Free Academy alum Henry Wilson which referenced his brief but formative time at the Academy.”

This opportunity came about when Tracy Blanchard, a coordinator for the N.H. House of Representatives, reached out to Kristy Kerin to explain the program and invited Brewster to put forward the names of students who might be interested. Mr. Browher then took over, coordinating Brewster’s participation. Several students were interested, and while Atticus and Will were selected this time, Mr. Browher plans on having more Bobcats enjoy the experience as soon as possible.  

Ms. Blanchard explained the care taken to make sure students have an enriching experience: “I try to schedule two students from the same school on the same day so there is a familiar face with them to help navigate the day. I also take time before they go onto the floor to explain the process of how the bills get to the floor, give them a run down on some of the bills they will be hearing about that day, and go over some of the terminology they will hear,” she shared. “We keep the day abbreviated for them (10 a.m. to noon on the floor, followed by a one-hour lunch break, then 1-2:30 p.m. back on the floor before being dismissed) so they are not too overwhelmed or bored by hours of debates and voting.”

Mr. Browher offered perspective on the unique nature of the Page for a Day experience. “The N.H. House of Representatives includes 400 members, the largest representative body of any U.S. state and fourth largest in the world—especially remarkable for such a small state. In the State House, one can simply walk through the door and a minute later find ample seating in the gallery. These two students had the unique and special opportunity as invited guests of the chamber, only a handful of non-members allowed on the House floor. They had their names announced and received a standing ovation from the representatives from both parties, which they were especially surprised and honored by.”

Representatives from both parties chatted with the boys and offered buttons and pins, Mr. Browher said, adding, “They saw democracy with its shines and warts and all—eloquent and rambling speeches, representatives focused on reading bills, and others playing Pokemon Go on their phone during floor speeches. It certainly left them motivated to become more involved in civic life, and with a deeper understanding of how government works than simply taking a class or what they gather about politics from social media.”

Will said he’d like to pursue political science, and thought this experience sitting in a chamber and hearing deliberation would be helpful. “I would absolutely recommend doing this if you are in search of going into politics,” he shared.

The Page for Day program joins a growing list of Brewster’s hands-on learning experiences, bolstering the school’s dedication to immersive learning that complements all the in-depth teaching happening in the classroom. “The State House is a veritable museum steeped in history—from the Hall of Flags in the lobby, to the portraits of former governors on the wall and statues outside of Daniel Webster to Christa McAuliffe,” Mr. Browher said. “It certainly was a purposeful day that underscores the importance of experiential learning opportunities around us.”