March 24, 2009

Sedro-Woolley teen pages for Rep. Kirk Pearson
Students ages 14-16 are eligible to take part in the week-long program in Olympia

After hearing about legislative page opportunities from Rep. Kirk Pearson in middle school, now-ninth-grader Alexander Vaith decided to apply to the program this year.

Alexander, who is 15 years old, was in Olympia the week of March 16 to assist the House of Representatives. His duties included delivering documents to legislator offices, distributing items to staff and attending page school.

Asked what he learned during the week that he didn't know about the Legislature, Alexander said how bills move through the Legislature.

"Before I paged, I knew legislators wrote bills and then voted on them," Alexander explained. "Now that I have gone to page school and have watched how things work, I realize there are a lot more steps than writing and passing a bill."

One of the best parts of the week, he said, was meeting the other pages from around Washington.

"It was a fun week. I enjoyed meeting the representatives, too," Alexander said.

"I really enjoyed having Alexander help out this week," said Pearson, R-Monroe. "He's a bright kid and really seemed like he had a good time and learned a lot. I hope we see him back in Olympia in another capacity some day."

Alexander is active in Sedro-Woolley High School French Club and plays soccer. Outside of school, his hobby is dirt biking.

Each year, students from around the state apply to participate in the legislative page program. Students spend a week attending page school, learning the inner workings of state government and assisting legislators on the House floor. Pages earn $35 per day while serving in the program.

To become a page, applicants must have a legislative sponsor, be between the ages of 14 and 16, and obtain written permission from their parents and school. For more information about the legislative page program, visit: http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/HousePageProgram.aspx.

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For more information, contact: Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7252