High school senior spends week as Governor’s Page
Raleigh – Tylie Bridges made history last week by being the first member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to participate in the North Carolina Governor’s Page Program.
This program gives high school students the opportunity to learn hands-on by participating in state government. Hosted by VolunteerNC in Raleigh, Bridges took part in history, civics, service and professional development.
Students chosen for the program must be in good academic standing and must complete an application for selection. Bridges toured government buildings and historic sites in the state capitol. She met N.C. Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall, N.C. Secretary of Commerce Michelle Sanders, N.C. Commissioner of Labor Josh Dobson, N.C. Secretary of the Department of Administration Pamela Cashwell, N.C. Executive Director of Indian Affairs Greg Richardson and N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Elizabeth Biser.
A highlight of the week was meeting with the American Indian Heritage Committee.
“I loved meeting with the Indian Affairs and seeing how the government is working with the tribe,” Bridges said.
She also enjoyed a tour of the Archives and History Museum, where she and the other pages were allowed into the vault where the oldest documents were kept. She met with Gov. Roy Cooper, who presented Bridges with the American Indian Heritage Month 2023 Proclamation.
As a page, she participated in developing project proposals from various government departments within the state, brief meetings with government officials to learn the different roles of state government, planning a service project to be carried out in their community, and completing tasks assigned by government departments.
“I felt like it was an opportunity to see how the government works,” Bridges said. “I am interested in politics.”
For her service project, Bridges chose to serve the homeless population of the Qualla Boundary, the Snowbird portion of Graham County and in Cherokee County. She hopes to present data demonstrating how many people and families are affected by this social issue.
She plans to hand out “blessing bags,” which will provide items to assist in everyday needs. She will collaborate with the Tribal Council, community clubs, churches, the Graham County Department of Social Services and Analenisgi (Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority).
Her plan is to implement the program before the weather turns cold.
If you are interested in helping Bridges with her service project, you can drop off donation items such as toothbrushes, deodorant, socks, soap and blankets from 10 a.m. – noon Saturday, Dec. 2, at United Community Bank. She will also accept money donations for the needed items.
After graduation, Bridges hopes to attend college in Oklahoma and major in political science. She encourages others to apply for the page program.
“Take all the opportunities you can while you have the chance. You never know what it could lead up to,” Bridges said.
“One day, I may be Governor.”