Kincardine teen to serve as a Page at Queen's Park

Khushali Shah (above) is off to Queen's Park, Toronto, for a month, serving as a Page in the Ontario Legislature.

 

The 13-year-old Grade 8 student at Huron Heights Public School, says she discovered the opportunity in a newsletter put out last fall by Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson.

 

“There was a photo of her with a former Page from Port Elgin,” says Khushali. “I decided to apply in November, and got a call in February that I was accepted.”

 

She attends orientation March 11, and will serve as a Page from March 21 to April 21. During her term of duty, she will be a messenger on the floor of the Legislative Chamber, meet key parliamentary figures, and learn about Ontario's parliamentary system of government.

 

Before arriving at Queen's Park, Khushali must study and learn the faces, names and locations of the 107 MPPs. During a typical day as a Page, she will arrive at Queen's Park at about 8 a.m, dress in her uniform and prepare the Legislative Chamber for the morning's debates. As the day progresses, Pages are involved in a number of activities, including: delivering messages and water to the MPPs in the chamber, taking classes in legislative process and mathematics, and meeting with key legislative players such as the party leaders and the Speaker of the House.

 

Part of Khushali's application was to submit an essay about her achievements, involvements and suitability for the program.

 

In her essay, Khushali states that experiences play a big role in building your character, and can teach you many things. She has volunteered with the Kincardine Skating Club, the GEMS (Girls in Engineering, Math and Science) Camp, and Multicultural Day in Kincardine.

 

She has received the citizenship award at her school and is known for her integrity and tutoring abilities. She also won first place in the Legion Remembrance Day poster and essay contest. Her essay advanced and earned first place in the District as well.

 

Khushali is a certified babysitter, soccer referee, and was involved in FIRST Lego League. Throughout the school year, she has participated in Helping Hands, the School Band, and Athletic Council. She enjoys soccer, karate, swimming and Air Cadets, as well as skating, piano, gymnastics, basketball and Indian classical singing.

 

She is interested in politics and informs herself about many of the debates and elections taking place.

 

“When my municipality, Kincardine, was having a municipal election, I volunteered to help out,” she states in her essay. “I was given the task of handing water to the candidates, getting everything prepared, and helping with microphones.

 

“Some of my unique characteristics include good communication skills, the ability to work well in groups, and great leadership skills,” she states. “I also like to write literature and do art. Unlike some other people, I enjoy doing work. English is not my only language. I have learned three other languages including French, Gujarati and Hindi.

 

“Overall, I am proud of my experiences and achievements.”

 

Khushali says she is excited about taking on the job of Page at Queen's Park.

 

“I have lots to learn but I'm looking forward to the challenge,” she says. “I think I might get into politics. I was interested in the elections.”

 

She says her family is proud of her, but her mother is concerned about what she will eat. Khushali will be staying with her father's cousin and family at their home near downtown Toronto. Her parents are Devang and Sejal Shah.

 

Khushali graduates in June and is going into Grade 9 at Kincardine District Secondary School in the fall. She says she likes teaching and might pursue that occupation.