Steilacoom high schooler serves as page in state House
Madelyn Gonzalez, a high school student from Steilacoom, traveled to Olympia Feb. 2-6 and served as a page in the state House of Representatives. She was sponsored by her 28th district Rep. Dick Muri, R-Steilacoom.
“I very much appreciate Madelyn's service as a page, and I hope it was a fun and enriching experience for her,” Muri said.
Madelyn, daughter of George and Barbie Gonzalez, is a junior at Charles Wright Academy. She is a member of the school's symphonic band, jazz band and the select choir. During her time as a page, Madelyn 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 about decreasing the amount of carbon emissions in the state.
As part of her page duties, Madelyn 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: http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/HousePageProgram.aspx.
