Mars student picked as congressional page
ADAMS TWP — One Mars High School junior will complete part of his school year in the hallowed halls of government.
Tyler Odom of Gibsonia has been selected to participate in the Congressional Page Program in Washington, D.C. In addition to his duties as one of 72 congressional pages from around the U.S., Tyler will attend the House Page School during his four-plus months in the capitol.
He will reside in the Page Residence Hall during his time in Washington — Jan. 24 to June 4.
Mars High guidance counselor Mark Varlotta knew of Tyler's goal to attend one of the military academies after graduation next year, and figured a stint as a congressional page would help forward that goal. So Varlotta talked to Tyler about applying for the position.
"He's a great student and good all-around kid," said Varlotta. "I discussed it with him, he explored his options, and things fell into place."
To be accepted for the page program, juniors must be recommended by an elected official. Tyler sent the required autobiographical essays, transcripts, teacher evaluations and faculty recommendation letters to U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire, D-4th.
Two weeks later, an Altmire aid called to set up an interview by the congressman and to report that Altmire had narrowed the candidate pool to three finalists. After Altmire interviewed Tyler by telephone, he was informed he was going to Washington.
"Being a congressional page provides high school students with an invaluable opportunity to see firsthand how their government works," Altmire said.
But Tyler is hesitant to accept accolades for being chosen.
"Mr. Varlotta and my teachers really helped me out," he said. "My teachers wrote me good letters."
Tyler said congressional pages perform six tasks on a rotating basis, including answering phones, delivering flags that fly over the House and Senate, and completing any duties assigned by the members of Congress.
He will attend House Page School each weekday from 6:45 to 10 a.m., where he will have four core classes. Tyler said the credits will transfer to Mars High School and will not affect his grade point average.
At Mars, Tyler is president of the Responsible, Educated Adolescents Can Help (REACH) club, captain on the boys varsity swim team, and a member of Spanish and ski clubs. He also volunteers at the VA Butler Healthcare and leads the AWANA program at his church.
"We are so proud of him," said Heidi Odom, Tyler's mother. "We feel very blessed that Tyler had this opportunity."
Mars High Principal Todd Kolson said he knows of no other student selected as a page in his eight years with the district.
"It's a statement of his character and his academics," said Kolson. "Going through the selection process, they see what we see in him."
More information on the Congressional Page Program is available at www.pageprogram.house.gov.
