By Brandi Miller / For the FCT

Red Bay High School juniors Emma Russell and Anna Wilemon recently had a rare opportunity. They were able to see firsthand the government at work in the state capital.

Russell and Wilemon traveled to the Capitol building in Montgomery Jan. 15-18 to serve as pages for Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow.

The girls received this opportunity through their involvement with the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce’s Junior Leadership program. The hardworking duo was noticed by Morrow, and after some contact between Morrow and the girls’ families, it was decided they would visit Montgomery to serve as pages.

“A typical day for Anna and myself would be going to the state house,” said Russell. “We would wait until the House convened, and then we would hand out the schedule for the day. From there, we just assisted the representatives as needed. Anna had the left side, and I had the right side.”

One of the benefits of being a page was the VIP treatment Russell and Wilemon received. Morrow toured the pair around the Capitol, and they met the John Merrill, secretary of state. Russell and Wilemon also received a personal tour of the Alabama Department of Archives and History.

The girls also had the chance to see something that was new to them.

“When we toured the Capitol building, Rep. Morrow showed Emma and me an old phone booth,” said Wilemon. “We had never seen one before, and he joked with us about it.”

Russell said the most difficult part of the process for her was that she and Wilemon were the only two pages at the Capitol during that week. Because there were only two of them, Russell said, they were constantly on their feet, getting copies of bills, getting schedules and passing along messages.

“I would tell anyone who is getting ready to page to make sure they have good, comfortable shoes to walk in because you will be doing a lot of walking,” said Russell.

Both girls said they are very thankful for the experience, and it was something they will never forget.