Jan. 30, 2009

Oak Harbor student pages for Rep. Norma Smith
Students ages 14-16 are eligible to take part in the week-long program in Olympia

Joel Geist, an 11th-grader at Bible Baptist School, served as a legislative page in the House of Representatives in Olympia the week of Jan. 26. He was hosted by Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton.

"It was a pleasure getting to know Joel this week," said Smith. "He has high hopes for the future and is an outstanding young man. I wish him success in his goal to become an Air Force aviator and have full confidence he will reach that goal."

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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Editor note: Photo attached. Rep. Norma Smith and Joel Geist on the House floor in Olympia.

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