Page program offers students glimpse of state governance

OLYMPIA - Rosalie Ross, an eighth grader at Enterprise Middle School in West Richland, recently spent a week working as a page for the Washington State Senate at the Capitol in Olympia.

She was one of 13 students who served as Senate pages for the third week of the 2026 legislative session.

Ross was sponsored by Washington State Senator Perry Dozier.  "It was a pleasure to have Rosalie page for us this week," said Dozier. "This program is a great opportunity for students to learn about the legislative process through personal experience. She did an excellent job with her tasks, and I'm glad she had a positive experience."

The Senate Page Program provides an opportunity for Washington students to spend a week working at the Legislature. Students transport documents between offices, and deliver messages and mail. Pages spend time in the Senate chamber and attend page school to learn about parliamentary procedure and the legislative process. Students also draft their own bills and engage in a legislative mock session.

 "What I'll remember the most is getting to know the senators," Ross said. "When I was on the floor [of the Senate chamber], I was fascinated hearing senators explain why they approve or disapprove a bill and seeing how the different parties negotiated with each other."

 Ross, the daughter of Kelsey and Kenneth Ross, is 14 years old and enjoys drawing, reading, and performing in theatre. Ross was referred to the Page Program by her history teacher and has enjoyed many of the program's activities, including participation in her mock committee, where she discovered a new interest in political debate. She would like to attend Brigham Young University and pursue a career in social work.

 Students interested in the Senate Page Program are encouraged to visit https://leg.wa.gov/learn-and-participate/civic-education-programs/page-program/ .

 The last day to apply for the Senate Page Program for the 2026 session is Feb. 20, or until all available openings are filled. Page applications for the 2027 legislative session will open Nov. 1, 2026.