Delanie Calkins
Chehalis Girl Serves as Page in Legislature
Delanie Calkins, a student from Chehalis, traveled to Olympia March 16-20 and served as a page in the state House of Representatives. She was sponsored by 20th District Rep. Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis.
“Because of the page program, students from around the state have the opportunity to come to Olympia to learn how our state government operates,” said DeBolt. “I hope Delanie had a great time, and made lasting friendships with the other pages. I am grateful for her service here.”
Delanie, daughter of Kelly and Julie Calkins, is an eighth-grader at Chehalis Middle School. She plays volleyball and basketball, and plans to pick up golf next year in high school. She eventually wants to become a dental hygienist.
During her time as a page, Delanie 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, which addressed the issue of standardized testing.
As part of her page duties, Delanie 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 House page program, visit http://goo.gl/kSpV3Y.
