Contributed
Rance with Judge Robin Wilson and Alder Richard Furlow.
New Haven Academy junior Rance Smith is headed to Washington, D.C. to be a U.S. Senate page.
Rance (pictured at center in the above photo) is the first student from New Haven Public Schools to be selected to participate in a program that requires the student be sponsored by a member of the U.S. Senate.
U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy sponsored Rance to represent New Haven and the rest of the state.
“Rance is a stellar Connecticut student who demonstrates incredible leadership among his peers and in his community,” Murphy said in a statement. “This list is impressive: he is class president, a peer mediator, and is an active member of New Haven Academy’s Model UN, debate team, math team and intramural basketball team.
“He has been recognized as a National Society of High School scholar and is an all-around outstanding member of New Haven Academy’s community. The Senate Page Program is a rewarding opportunity for our nation’s future leaders to learn firsthand about public policy and develop the skills they’ll need to improve our communities through service. I’m confident that Rance will excel in this environment and I look forward to seeing him in Washington.”
Rance with his mother Nicole Rawlings, his grandmother and Superintendent Harries.
In addition to the activities that Murphy listed, Rance also is the president of New Haven Academy’s student government and a member of the Citywide High School Student Cabinet.
“When we learned about the opportunity for students to apply for the Senate Page Program, our team instantly thought of Rance,” NHA Principal Greg Baldwin said in a statement. “Rance embodies our mission of civic engagement and social action. He is a leader in the school community, in student government and every day by example; and he is an outstanding student who has challenged himself each year to excel.”
Amity/Beverly Hills Alder Richard Furlow introduced an official citation from the Board of Alders earlier this week recognizing Rance’s acceptance into the program. Rance is a resident of the ward Furlow represents.
“You have arrived at this achievement as a result of years of hard work exemplified by your stellar academic record and your election as class president,” the citation reads. “We are confident that you will serve with integrity, dignity and distinction.”
New Haven Public Schools Superintendent Garth Harries said in a statement that Rance is the kind of leader the school system seeks to develop. “The district wishes him much success during his journey.”
Rance heads to Washington Friday.
Fantastic!!!