Melvin Screen ‘28 recently had the opportunity to participate in the Florida House of Representative Page and Messenger Program – a long-standing tradition in the Florida House of Representatives, dating back to as far back as 1865. Each of the state’s 120 Representatives can sponsor one Page and one Messenger to assist them during the Capitol’s busiest time of year while observing state government in action. For one week during the 60-day Regular Session, Melvin worked alongside Representative Gantt at the Capitol, and his name will now appear in the Journal of the House.
At Gulliver, Melvin is a member of the football and track & field teams and participates in band. Outside of school he has given back to the community, helping to protect and maintain the Pineland habitat at Larry and Penny Thompson Vineland Preserve by clearing the areas that were infested by weeds and debris.
Read on to learn more about Melvin’s experience in Tallahassee, his mentors, and more.
You spent a week as a House of Representatives Page during the 2024 Legislative session in Tallahassee. Why were you interested in this opportunity, and how did you find out about it?
I was interested in this opportunity because the experience would allow me to see how bills and laws are passed, see what goes on in the House Chamber, meet the Representatives who work there, and know what it’s like as a House Representative. This opportunity was presented to me by my mom and aunt. They explained to me that it would be a great experience that would expose me to different people and to learn about the government.
What did you do while serving as a Page? What were your favorite and most challenging parts?
While serving as a Page I learned about how bills are passed and what goes on in the House Chamber. I also participated in making a bill and I was in a group of four for the bill. The bill was about making a state rapper like Kodak Black. I also got to see what it’s like as the committee members and the chairperson. My favorite part was getting the representatives food and whatever they needed when I was in the House Chamber with them. The most challenging part was waking up at 6:00 a.m. and getting home at 7:00 p.m.
How would you describe this experience, and what did it teach you?
I would describe this experience as fun and a teaching experience. It was fun because I got to do most things that other kids don’t do, and it was a teaching experience because it changed my perspective on Representatives and the government. The experience taught me that most bills are passed and there aren’t that many bills that are not passed.
Who do you consider to be your mentors, at school and outside of school?
I consider my mentor in school to be my history teacher. My history teacher is Mrs. Gomez. Mrs. Gomez has pushed me to be the best student ever, and she has inspired me to do what I need to do when I need to do it. Outside of school my mentors are my mom and dad. My mom and dad have taught me right from wrong, and they have pushed me to be the best big brother ever, and to be the best person that I can be.
How has being a student at Gulliver allowed you to grow, discover new passions, and experience new ideas and opportunities?
Gulliver has inspired me to be a better student, and a better person. Gulliver has allowed me to grow in my smarts, my sports, and Gulliver has allowed me to be the best me that I can be. Just being at Gulliver makes me happy, and when I’m in the classroom, I want to get good grades and be the best student ever.
