OLYMPIA – Lauren Schwager served as a page for the Washington State Senate during the opening week of the 2024 legislative session. Sen. Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond) sponsored her time at the Legislature.
The page program offers a hands-on opportunity for students to find out how state government works. During week-long interactive learning experience, students are visited by guest speakers and get to draft their own bills. Students also get to explore the Capitol Campus by delivering papers for Senate staff.
Schwager, 16, is a student at Eastlake High School and enjoys politics and law. She’s also the captain of her school’s speech and debate team.
Schwager applied to page because she wanted to learn about and experience state government firsthand.
“I liked talking to people and learning their stories, specifically security guards,” Schwager said. “I got to go onto the Senate floor and see all the senators in action.”
Pages also create their own bill to be heard in a mock committee meeting. Schwager decided to work on legislation that would address the opioid crisis by tightening access to certain prescription drugs.
Schwager said she enjoyed her time at the Capitol.
“I would just say my favorite part is the passion you feel walking on to campus. Every single person is on a mission; every single person here is passionate about something,” she said.
For more information about the Senate Page Program, contact SenatePageProgram@leg.wa.gov.
