NEW HAVEN. Conn. (WTNH) – A New Haven Academy student is in the nation’s capitol to work in the U.S. Senate as a page.

Rance Smith is a junior at New Haven Academy and school officials say that he is a leader and always seeks opportunities to grow and to make a positive impact in the community. Smith is the President of the Student Government and is a member of the Citywide High School Student Cabinet.

“Rance is a great example of the kind if leader we develop in the New Haven Public School. The District wishes him much success during his journey,” says Superintendent Garth Harries.

The page program has been going on for over 180 years and sends high school students that are at least 16 years old. Senate pages are appointed and sponsored by Senators for one academic semester of the school year and are selected for their academic performance.

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut) sponsored Smith to represent Connecticut and New Haven Public Schools as a page for the Senate. “Rance is a stellar Connecticut student who demonstrates incredible leadership among his peers and in his community,” said Murphy. “This list is impressive-he is class president, a peer mediator, and is an active member of New Haven Academy’s Model UN, debate team, math team, and intramural basketball team. He has been recognized as a National Society of High School Scholar and is an all-around outstanding member of New Haven Academy’s community… I’m confident that Rance will excel in this environment, and I look forward to seeing him in Washington.”

The term for a Senate page is one academic semester, so Smith will return home by June.