April 15, 2009

Walla Walla student pages in Olympia

Freshman Reid Gordon paged in the House of Representatives March 30 through April 3. He was sponsored by his 16th District state representative, Maureen Walsh, R-Walla Walla. Gordon is the son of Sharon and Robert Gordon of Walla Walla. He is homeschooled.

During his week in Olympia, Gordon attended page school to learn about the legislative process, assisted legislators on the House floor, and delivered documents amongst the buildings on the capitol campus.

"The page program is a great opportunity for students like Reid to understand how state government operates," Walsh said. "I hope this experience piqued his interest in future civic involvement."

Gordon introduced a mock bill in page school addressing prison reform, with changes to penalties for criminals to save money for state prisons and give offenders a second chance to function in society.

Since 1891, students from around the state have applied to participate in the legislative page program. Pages earn $35 for each day they serve in the program.

Interested students must be between the ages of 14 and 16, have permission from their school and a parent, and be sponsored by a legislator. For more information about the House page program, visit: http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/HousePageProgram.aspx.

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For more information, contact:  Sarah Lamb, Public Information Officer - (360) 786-7720