Okanogan high schooler serves as page in state House

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feb. 3, 2015

CONTACT: Sarah Stewart, Public Information Officer – (360) 786-7720

Okanogan high schooler serves as page in state House

Emily Stevens, a student from Okanogan High School, traveled to Olympia Jan. 25- 30 and served as a page in the state House of Representatives. She was sponsored by her 12th district Rep. Brad Hawkins, R-Wenatchee.

“The page program offers students from around the state a unique opportunity to travel to Olympia and learn how our state government operates. It is a wonderful educational opportunity for them to experience the Legislature firsthand,” Hawkins said. “I hope Emily had a great time here, and that she made lasting friendships. I am grateful for her service.”

Emily, the daughter of Gary and Brenda Stevens, is a sophomore at Okanogan High School. She is also a member of FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America). She plays volleyball and softball at her school and in her spare time she rides horses, and was also a part of the Junior Rodeo Royalty. During her time as a page, Emily attended page school every day to understand the operations and actions of the Legislature. Her time at the Capitol culminated with the presentation of her mock bill which would require food companies to label genetically-modified foods.

As part of her page duties, Emily learned to navigate the many buildings on the Capitol campus and delivered messages and documents to legislators and staff.

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: https://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/HousePageProgram.aspx.

For more information about Rep. Hawkins, visit: https://www.representativebradhawkins.com.

Caption: Rep. Brad Hawkins and Emily Stevens. Photo courtesy Washington State Legislature.