George Packard, a student from Ridgeline Middle School recently served as a page in the state House of Representatives. He was sponsored by 17th District Rep. Paul Harris.

“It was my pleasure to sponsor George as a page in the state House. It is great to see students engaged in the political process so they have a better understanding of the process and the issues,” said Harris, R-Vancouver. “I hope he enjoyed his time on the Capitol campus and will tell other students about what he learned.”

George attended page school every day during his time in Olympia to better understand the operations and actions of the Legislature. As part of his page duties, George navigated 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.

PHOTO CAPTION: House Page George Packard with Rep. Paul Harris.