As a youngster, Tyler Hagen wanted to be a police officer. That changed in 2008, when presidential candidate Barack Obama sparked a political passion in Hagen that has strengthened over the years.
Now 18 and a recent Hereford High School graduate, Hagen is already a political junkie and has a new career ambition. He wants to enter politics and work his way up to the top.
His first step is going to McDaniel College, where he will major in political science. After that, he hopes to go to law school.
"All my friends know I want to be president," Hagen said. "I hope to start with Maryland's House of Delegates and move on from there. I love politics. My phone is filled with political apps that I check all the time."
At Hereford, he took as many history and government courses as he could, including an Advanced Placement government class. He was also a member of the school's Mock Trial club for three years.
Hagen, a Democrat who is outnumbered in the heavily Republican North County, formed the Future Democrats Club in high school. That club hosted debates prior to the 2012 presidential election.
"Without a doubt, Tyler is one of the most passionate and enthusiastic students I've ever known when it comes to politics," said Hereford social studies teacher Jonathan Shinnick. "He has such a thirst for anything and everything political. I was thrilled he was picked to go to Annapolis as a page. He's very diligent and an extremely hard worker."
Hagen spent two weeks as a page for the Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis this winter. He volunteered during week 7 and week 13 — the last week of the legislative session.
"It was a privilege to be there the last week because that's when all the action happened," he said.
In an essay submitted with his application to the page program, Hagen wrote, "Through the past couple years many people in my life have learned about my political aspirations. I am commonly asked why I would choose to go into that profession given the current atmosphere in our government. The answer is really not that complex. I would love the busy lifestyle, the ability to be part of historical moments in our government, and the capability to enact change for the better."
Hagen spent his time in Annapolis helping legislators by keeping books of prospective bills up-to-date, distributing materials on the floor, running errands, answering phones, assisting visitors and delivering messages to the members.
Since Hagen lives in Baltimore County's 7th District, he worked with State Sen. J.B. Jennings and Dels. Rick Impallaria, Pat McDonough and Kathy Szeliga — all Republicans.
"The pages who come to Annapolis are there because they're interested in politics, and Tyler is the cream of the crop," said Szeliga, minority whip. "I trust him implicitly."
When she found out that Hagen is an Eagle Scout, she hired him to attend Eagle Scout ceremonies in her district when she is unavailable.
Szeliga said she recently had six Eagle ceremonies in one day, so she and Hagen shared the schedule.
Hagen, who leaves for McDaniel College on Aug. 19, said he has gone through "political withdrawal" after serving as a page and can't wait to join political activist groups on campus and serve in student government.