Grace McMahon, a junior at Seattle’s Bishop Blanchet High School, served as a page for the Washington State Senate the week of Jan. 23. Sen. Joe Nguyễn (D-White Center) sponsored her week at the Legislature.
The page program offers a hands-on opportunity for students to find out how state government works. During the week-long interactive learning experience, students get a firsthand look at the legislative process and get to explore the Capitol campus by delivering papers for Senate staff. Along with the practical experience, pages are also taught about local government by staff and by guest speakers.
McMahon applied for the program because of her interest in politics.
“I’ve always had an interest in law and government, and so I thought this would be a perfect opportunity,” she said. “And my dad works down here, so it was kind of just a perfect match.”
“It’s been very interesting,” McMahon added. “I think that my favorite thing about it is talking to security, they’re all very nice and kind.”
After finishing her time in the page program and graduating from high school, McMahon plans to go to college to study politics.
“Right now, I’m looking at colleges and universities. I’d really like to go to the east coast or the UK, and I’m looking to major in political science or international relations,” she said. “This program is a perfect fit for that, and I think it would look great on a college application.”
Sen. Nguyễn said that he enjoyed his time with McMahon and that he is looking forward to “seeing the change she will make in her community.”
For more information about the Senate Page Program, contact SenatePageProgram@leg.wa.gov.
