Olympia teen serves as page in state House of Representatives

James Hastings, a student from Centralia Christian School, recently had the opportunity to spend time on the Capitol campus to serve as a page in the state House of Representatives. 2nd District Rep. Andrew Barkis sponsored him.

“It was an absolute privilege to sponsor James. I hope he had fun hanging out with me, making new friends, and learning about the House of Representatives,” said Barkis, R-Olympia. “The page program is so important as it teaches students how our state government operates. Hands-on civic education is an important aspect of our state’s curriculum. It was great hosting him under the dome here in Olympia.”

James is the son of Scott and Britney Hastings. His interests and hobbies include civil air patrol, youth and government, and his church.

As a page, James learned to navigate the many buildings around the Capitol, delivered messages and documents to legislators and staff, and assisted on the House floor. A few hours a day, James attended page school to learn and understand the operations and actions of the Legislature. By week’s end, he had the opportunity to co-write a bill for a mock committee hearing in front of his fellow pages.

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 $50 a day and can earn up to 20 hours of community service 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, click here.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov