Kirsten Hallock, a junior at Mead High School, spent a week working as a page for the Washington State Senate at the Capitol in Olympia. Kirsten was one of 30 students who served as Senate pages for the eighth week of the 2018 legislative session.

She was sponsored by 7th Legislative District Sen. Shelly Short, who serves Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille counties and parts of Spokane and Okanogan counties.

“We’re glad Kirsten was able to learn so much during her week here,” Short said. “I hope she enjoyed experiencing the legislative process up close and getting to know everyone!”

The Senate Page Program provides an opportunity for Washington students to spend a week working at the Legislature. Students transport documents between offices, as well as 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 mock session.

“Getting to know how the government works and getting to see how everything is actually done was really interesting,” Kirsten said. She added that it was a great experience, and she enjoyed getting out of her comfort zone and meeting so many new people.

Kirsten, the 16-year-old daughter of Bob and Erica Hallock of Spokane, enjoys playing volleyball and lacrosse.

Students interested in the Senate Page Program are encouraged to visit: https://leg.wa.gov/Senate/Administration/PageProgram/ .