Delvin invites local students to work in Olympia as Senate pages

December 5, 2008

OLYMPIA…Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, is inviting area students ages 14 to 16 to apply to become Senate pages during the upcoming legislative session, which runs from mid-January through late April in Olympia. 

“In a recent survey of 15- to 26-year-olds, 80 percent knew the name of the reigning American Idol winner, but they didn’t know much about their own state government,” Delvin said. “That’s why I’m inviting students from our area to join me in Olympia to work as a Senate page. It’s a great way to learn how government works.” 

Senate pages get a week-long, hands-on opportunity that’s more than a great education, Delvin says, it can be a life-changing experience. Many of the people who now work in state government got their first taste of the Legislature as a page.    

Students must be sponsored by a senator. They spend a week in Olympia as paid employees, working a regular business day, delivering messages, handing out documents in the Senate chamber, and running other errands. They also attend Page School for two hours during the workday, where they learn important concepts about civics and government.  

The highlight of the week is when they write and present their own bills and role-play as legislators in a mock committee hearing.” Delvin said. “Plus, they have a terrific time getting to know their fellow pages from around the state.” 

Students can get private housing through host families living in the Olympia area. Delvin urges interested students to apply as one of his Senate pages as soon as possible, since the first page class begins January 12.  

To find out more about the Page Program or to apply as Sen. Delvin’s page, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/StudentsPage and choose the Senate Page Program from the right-hand menu options.  

Simply download an application from the site, fill it out and send it to Sen. Delvin’s Olympia office: 201 Newhouse Building, P.O. Box 40408, Olympia, WA 98504-0408.

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Sen. Delvin represents the 8th Legislative District, which includes
Richland, Kennewick, Benton City, and Prosser.

Additional contact: Pat Albright at (360) 786-7519 or albright.pat@leg.wa.gov