East Central Reporter

State Representative Adam Niemerg, who serves on the Education Policy Committee, hosted Victoria “Tori” Ellingsen as his House Page at the Illinois Capitol on October 29, 2025. Ellingsen is a foreign exchange student from Oslo, Norway, and is currently finishing her senior year at Effingham High School.

Ellingsen comes from a multicultural background; her father is Norwegian and her mother is Argentinian. She grew up in a bilingual household and speaks six languages fluently: Norwegian, Spanish, English, Swedish, Danish, and some Italian. Her interests include playing piano, skiing, traveling, and politics. At Effingham High School, she has participated in tennis and is a varsity cheerleader.

In Norway, Ellingsen was active in the “Young Conservatives,” the country’s second-largest youth political party. She served on Oslo’s County Board before moving to the United States. Her main interests are improving education so all students can become productive members of society, promoting better integration and regulation of immigration, strengthening national defense during uncertain times, and ensuring responsible government spending.

She has also been involved in student leadership roles throughout her education. Ellingsen served as class representative every year and was later elected president of her school’s student council. Additionally, she represented Oslo’s students for two years at Norway’s National Student Congress—a week-long event where representatives debate education policy with national leaders including the Minister of Education.

After high school graduation, Ellingsen plans to study law with a focus on international relations or criminology. Before starting university studies, she intends to serve in the Norwegian Navy. She hopes to pursue a career in diplomacy or explore criminology to understand crime prevention through policy.

“America has always fascinated Tori for its diversity, democratic traditions, and central role in global politics. She chose to spend her exchange year here to gain a deeper understanding of American culture and government while perfecting her English and building lifelong connections.”

Before coming to the United States, Ellingsen worked as a waitress and volunteered as a youth leader at her local church mentoring children and confirmation students. She expressed gratitude for representing Norway in the U.S., viewing her time in Illinois as an educational experience that builds bridges between nations.

Niemerg was elected as a Republican to represent Illinois’ 102nd House District in 2023 after Darren Bailey held the position previously (https://www.ilga.gov/house/Rep.asp?GA=103&MemberID=3217).