Tom Kurtz, a junior at Owensboro Catholic High School, has been named a U.S. Page for Senator Mitch McConnell for the 2021 fall legislative session.
Kurtz had initially applied for the 2021 summer session, but it was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns.
“I was invited to reapply for the fall session, which I immediately and enthusiastically did,” he said. “This process consisted of an extensive application form, letters of recommendation, and an essay about my interest in the program. A few months after I had submitted my reapplication, I received a phone call from a member of Senator McConnell’s staff, who let me know that I had been nominated by the leader to serve as a Page under his sponsorship.”
Kurtz’s nomination was directed to the Senate Page Program, after which he was appointed to the program.
“It’s certainly hard for me to find just one reason why I wanted to serve as a Page,” he said. “For most of my teenage life, I’ve been politically and socially involved in my community. I worked as an intern on Sen. McConnell’s re-election campaign, I’ve attended KYA and KUNA, and I’ve also been active with the Wendell H. Ford Government Education Center.”
When Kurtz discovered the Senate Page Program, he said he was instantly fascinated with the prestige and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that it provided. He said his fascination quickly turned to ambition, and he started the application process as soon as he could.
John Kurtz, Tom’s dad, said he and his wife Chrissy are very proud parents.
“What also makes his appointment more special is that Tom did all of this on his own,” John said. “He researched the program, completed the application, and had the resume to push him to the top.”
His schedule throughout the semester will be dominated by studies and work, with his work mirroring the legislative schedule of the U.S. Senate.
“My daily schedule is equally rigorous, with early mornings dedicated to my high school classes,” Kurtz said. “I’m extremely excited to be learning in Washington D.C., because a portion of my education will be committed to hands-on learning and field trips in and around the nation’s Capitol.
Kurtz said he is looking forward to being included in the day-to-day routine of Congress, specifically the U.S. Senate.
“I’m thrilled for the honor of witnessing and participating in the actions of the world’s greatest deliberative body, alongside the nation’s most powerful men and women, during a critical time in national political affairs,” Tom said.
While Kurtz is staying busy for the foreseeable future, he said he is not sure about his plans after high school.
“I’ve prepared well for a career in public service, government, or politics,” he said. “As for specific college and career plans, I’d like to stay in-state and go to the University of Louisville, where I’d like to major in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE). After college, I’d like to gain experience by working as a staffer in Congress or at any other political organization. Eventually, I’d like to pursue a career as a senior congressional staffer, lobbyist, or preferably a U.S. Representative or Senator.”
