Ella Bayer, 14, served as a page in the Washington State Senate during the week of January 31.
Pages are typically sponsored by the senator from their legislative district. Sen. Sam Hunt (D-Olympia) sponsored Bayer’s week in the Legislature.
The page program offers a hands-on opportunity for students to find out how state government works. The interactive learning experience includes classes focused on topics like budget writing and how a bill becomes a law, which culminates in pages creating their own bills in a mock committee setting. The educational experience is furthered by guest speakers.
“The most fun thing that I did this week was going between different offices and buildings and exploring the Capital Campus while delivering mail.”” said Bayer.
Pages also have the opportunity to work on the Senate floor. Their maroon coats and credentials allow them access to all parts of the Capitol Campus.
“The most interesting thing that I did this week was work on the Senate floor and pass out documents to the Members. I got to see how the Legislature actually works vs. reading about it in school.” added Bayer.
Bayer is in 8th grade at Thurgood Marshall Middle School. In her free time, she enjoys soccer, reading, and volunteering at the food bank.
For more information about the Senate Page Program, contact SenatePageProgram@leg.wa.gov
