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Oakville teen Collin Pearson, a 10th grader at Elma High School, recently spent a week working as a page for the Washington state Senate at the Capitol in Olympia.
Pearson was one of 32 students who served in the Senate during the seventh week of the 2024 legislative session, which ended last Thursday.
He was sponsored by Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview, who represents Southwest Washington’s 19th Legislative District, covering all or parts of Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Pacific, Thurston and Wahkiakum Counties.
“I am so happy I was able to sponsor Collin as a page because he did such an amazing job this week,” Wilson said in a news release. “I was glad he had this opportunity to learn more about the legislative process.”
The Senate page program provides an opportunity for Washington students to spend a week working in the Legislature. Students are responsible for transporting documents between offices as well as delivering 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 mock committee.
“I became a page because of how amazing the opportunity was and how much it was recommended to me,” Pearson said.
He said his favorite part was building relationships with people who represent him.
Pearson, 15, enjoys being a part of his school choir and drama program as well as participating in the Future Business Leaders of America. He also is a member of the drone-flying club at his school. Collin’s parents are Daniel and Mieke Pearson.
Students interested in the Senate Page Program are encouraged to visit http://leg.wa.gov/Senate/Administration/PageProgram/.
