Mackenzie Stevens
Toledo Student Serves as House Page in Olympia
Mackenzie Stevens, a student from Toledo High School, traveled to Olympia April 20-24 and served as a page in the state House of Representatives. She was sponsored by her 20th District Rep. Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis.
“It’s great to have students involved in the Legislature, as it gives them a firsthand look at their government. Many pages go on to be leaders and future elected officials themselves,” said DeBolt. “I hope Mackenzie enjoyed her time in Olympia and learned a lot.”
Stevens is the daughter of Tammy Sherman, of Winlock, and Edward Stevens, of Skamokawa. She enjoys riding horses and ATVs, playing soccer and reading. During her time as a page, Mackenzie attended page school every day to understand the operations and actions of the Legislature. Her time at the Capitol culminated with the presentation of a mock bill she sponsored with two other students to address abandoned animals with funding for animal shelters.
As part of her page duties, Stevens 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://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/House-PageProgram.aspx.
