Contributed Photo Dufferin-Caledon MPP John Tory poses with Mercedes Mabee at Queen's Park. John Tory, MPP for Dufferin Peel-WellingtonGrey bid farewell to local student, Mercedes Mabee, 12, on Friday, after Mercedes had served as a Legislative Page at Queen's Park for the past five weeks.

"Being in the Page program was a life-changing experience," Mercedes said. "I think every person should have the same opportunity I was given. I had the opportunity to meet and befriend so many different kids with a similar focus and interest in learning."

As a Legislative Page, Mercedes participated in the legislative process by acting as a messenger in the Legislative Chamber. Pages also meet with politicians and officials, learn how laws are made and how the Province of Ontario is governed.

Mercedes also noted, "You get to meet so many important people who make up a big part of our province, and they are all really interesting to talk to." As a prerequisite for

being a Page, Mercedes demonstrated that she was actively involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities, both in and outside school. As a grade 8 student at the Orangeville Christian School, Mercedes is involved with the yearbook and newspaper.

She also has a passion for music and plays the violin in her school band, as well as with the Guelph Youth Music Centre Orchestra.

Mr. Tory was extremely impressed with Mercedes' professionalism in the Legislative Assembly. "Mercedes was an excellent Page and presented herself very well at Queen's Park, of course, I always think the pages from Dufferin-PeelWellington-Grey are the best!" Mr/ Tory said.

"It is wonderful to see each new group of Pages enter the Assembly. They provide a valuable service to all the Members of Provincial Parliament."

Legislative Pages serve a Term of Duty of three to six weeks and are granted a leave of absence from school during that time. The program receives hundreds of applications for each round of selections.

Positions for selected students are distributed between boys and girls who live throughout the 103 ridings represented in the Legislature.

If you would like further information on the Legislative Page program, you may contact Mr. Tory's office at (800) 2651603.