Wakefield School eighth grader Libby Rensin of Warrenton will serve as one of only 11 Senate pages in the state of Virginia.

Rensin left for Richmond last weekend to begin her eight-week work assignment at the 2013 Virginia Senate. After an intensive three-day training session, she began her duties immediately.

Her hours are 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 8:30 a.m to 1 p.m. on Fridays.

According to the Senate and House Page Program website, "Senate pages are engaged in the legislative process through their work assignments, observation and hands-on activities."

She will be running errands to assist Senators, answering telephones, working in the bill room, post office, and Clerk's Office, assisting in the public information office, staff information desks and speaking with visiting school groups, among other assignments.

Senate pages and messengers live in a hotel in Richmond that is three blocks away from the Capitol. They are required to stay current with their regular schoolwork with time during the day and night to study. Tutors are available to assist students as needed.

At Wakefield, Rensin is not only a consistently high honors student and member of the National Junior Honor Society, but also a compassionate and caring young lady with determination and confidence.

Dr. Troy Roddy, Head of Wakefield's Middle School, noted in his recommendation letter that, "Libby is a dedicated student with high personal expectations. Her attention to detail and her willingness to put forth a strong effort are qualities that…will translate well into her being an outstanding participant in the program."

Rensin will be rewarded in many ways for her work as a Senate of Virginia Page. She is receiving a salary and per diem, but more importantly she is learning about civics in real time, leading and participating in a community service project and with bi-weekly newsletters, and becoming a more effective leader and responsible citizen.

Jill Holtzman Vogel, the Virginia State Senator representing the 27th District, said, "I am so proud that Libby will serve as a Senate page in Richmond for our 2013 Senate session. It is a great honor to be selected for the page program and it reflects on her outstanding personal and academic accomplishments.

Serving as a Senate page is a rare opportunity to participate in the legislative process and to work closely with the men and women who govern our Commonwealth. She will work on the Senate floor, work in committees and have real responsibilities each work day. It is a wonderful educational and personal experience and I congratulate her on being chosen."

Lia Rensin, Libby's mother, commented, "As a parent I am so thankful to Wakefield for not only accommodating Libby, but actively supporting her while she embarks on this unique opportunity. Everyone has been so great to work with in getting her ready; everyone is so excited for her and it's clear that everyone wants to do what they can to help her succeed while she is in Richmond. It's wonderful to be part of a community that helps my child reach beyond her comfort zone, even when that opportunity is out of their realm."