Steilacoom high schooler serves as page in state House
Michael Forbes, a student from Steilacoom High School, traveled to Olympia Jan. 26- 30 and served as a page in the state House of Representatives. He was sponsored by his 28th district Rep. Dick Muri, R-Steilacoom.
“The page program is an excellent way for students from around the state to come to Olympia and learn how our state government operates,” said Muri. “I hope Michael had a great week, and I am thankful for his service here.”
Michael, son of Duke and Kim Forbes, is a sophomore at Steilacoom High School. He is on his school's swim team and is active in Boy Scouts. He is currently working on his Eagle Scout rank. During his time as a page, Michael attended page school every day to understand the operations and actions of the Legislature. His time at the Capitol culminated with the presentation of his mock bill which addresses using one's phone while driving. The bill would impose harsher penalties on people using their phones on the road.
As part of his page duties, Michael 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.
