Pioneer Middle School student spends week in Olympia as legislative page
Perry Atwood, a student at Pioneer Middle School in Steilacoom, recently served as a legislative page in the state House of Representatives in Olympia. He was sponsored by his 28th District Rep. Dick Muri.
“Paging is a great way for students to learn more about how their state government operates and can inspire them to become more civically active in their communities,” said Muri, R-Steilacoom. “It was a pleasure to host Perry and I hope he walked away with a desire to continue to be engaged in his government.”
Atwood is the son of Peter and Adina Atwood.
Some of Atwood's page duties included delivering messages and documents to legislative offices and committee hearings, and assisting members on the House floor. In addition to these duties, Atwood participated in page school where a certified teachers instructs pages on the inner workings of the Legislature.
Pages also have the opportunity to participate in a mock floor debate at the end of their week-long stay, during which students advocate for, or against, an issue chosen by the pages visiting that week.
Atwood is president of his Sunday school and has received the “student of the month” award at each school he has attended. He is also a member of the Boy Scout Troop #480 and is expected to participate in the 41st annual Washington Music Educator's Association All State Honor Choir in Yakima in February.
Each year, students from around the state apply to participate in the page program. Students spend a week attending page school, assist legislators and their staff with delivering important messages on-time and are able to witness the many happenings and events the Capitol has to offer during session. They earn a stipend of $35 a day while serving in the program.
To become a page, applicants must have a legislative sponsor and be between the ages of 14 and 16, and obtain written permission from their parents and school.
For more information or to apply, visit: http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/HousePageProgram.aspx
Caption: House Page Perry Atwood delivers documents on the House Floor. Credit: Washington State Legislature.
Caption: House Page Perry Atwood and Rep. Dick Muri. Credit: Washington State Legislature.
For more information about the House page program, visit: http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/HousePageProgram.aspx
For more information about the House Republicans visit houserepublicans.wa.gov
