Gilberto Aguirre, of Robbins, recently participated in the Governor's Page Program in Raleigh.

Aguirre spent a week gaining valuable life experience and providing administrative support as a page for the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the week of Oct. 13-17.

"The page program is an excellent opportunity for high school students," Easley said. "Young people from all over North Carolina are able to learn firsthand how our government and various government agencies work by playing an active role in the daily tasks of our offices."

The Governor's Page Program provides students with an opportunity to gain knowledge of the roles and functions of state government. During the week, pages have a chance to attend press conferences, observe commission meetings and participate in a discussion with Gov. Mike Easley on current issues and events.

Pages also assist in day-to-day office operations. Some of their responsibilities include delivering legislative bills, filing documents, assisting in mass mailings, answering telephones and delivering agency messages.

Pages also tour at least one of the following state government buildings each day: the State Capitol, Legislative Building, Executive Mansion, Supreme Court, Museum of Art, Museum of History and N.C. Correctional Institute for Women.

Aguirre is the son of Jose Luis Aguirre and Maria Luz Villaverde and is a senior at North Moore High School.

The one-week program is open to high school students between the ages of 15 and 18, who are in good academic standing at their schools. Application forms are available year-round, but appointments are made on a first-come-first-served basis.

For an application or additional information, contact the coordinator of the Governor's Page Program toll free at 1-800-820-4483, or visit the program online at www.

volunteernc.org/code/govpage.htm.