Garrison Middle School teen pages for state House in Olympia
Jessica Swanson, a student at Garrison Middle School, served as a legislative page in the state House of Representatives Feb. 10-14. She was sponsored by her 16th District Rep. Maureen Walsh, R-Walla Walla.
She is the daughter of Clarice and Keith Swanson of Touchet.
“The page program offers so many wonderful opportunities for students to engage in state government,” said Walsh. “It was a pleasure to have Jessica with us in Olympia and I hope she enjoyed her visit.”
During her time in Olympia, Jessica observed the Legislature in action and was responsible for delivering messages to legislators in their offices, during committee hearings and to the House chamber during floor sessions. Additionally, pages are required to attend the Legislature's page school, where they learn about how a bill becomes law and other legislative functions.
Each year students from around Washington apply to participate in the page program. To be eligible, pages must be between the ages of 14 and 16 and be sponsored by a state legislator. Students must also provide written permission from their parents and school to participate. Pages are paid $35 a day during their service.
While the available page positions for this current session are now full, interested students should apply in the fall to be considered for the 2015 legislative session. For more information about the House page program, visit: http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/HousePageProgram.aspx.
CAPTION: House Page Jessica Swanson delivers messages to legislators on the House floor. CREDIT: Washington State Legislature.
