OLYMPIA – Jamie Stout, 16, served as a page in the Washington State Senate during the week of February 14.
Pages are typically sponsored by the senator from their legislative district. Sen. Derek Stanford (D- Bothell) sponsored Stout’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.
“I had a lot of fun creating my own bill in the mock committee. The process of presenting, discussing, and debating the merits of my bill was a lot of fun. Listening to my fellow Pages defending their bills and defending my own was exhilarating,” said Stout.
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.
“Getting to sit on the Senate floor was really interesting, seeing how the bills were introduced and debated made me realize that there is so much more complexity to the whole process than I ever realized,” added Stout.
“This experience has left me really inspired about how people work together to make our lives better. I am leaving here more thoughtful and more excited about a career in public service than when I arrived. I feel like I can make a difference in my community and for my neighbors, and I want to see what I can do to make the world a better place,” remarked Stout.
Stout is in 11th grade at Glacier Peak High School. In her free time, she enjoys Girl Scouts, speech & debate, and puns.
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For more information about the Senate Page Program, contact SenatePageProgram@leg.wa.gov
