Local home school student spends a week as House page
South Whidbey home school student Kristen Shuster paged in the state House of Representatives earlier this year. She was sponsored by 10th District Rep. Norma Smith. Kristen, 15, is the daughter of Doug and Linda Schuster of Langley.
“Kristen is a gifted young woman and a natural leader. Most importantly, she is a person of character and kindness,” said Smith, R-Clinton. “It was a delight having her in Olympia serving as a page.” During her week in Olympia, Kristen attended page school every day to better understand the operations and actions of the Legislature. At the end of the week, Kristen wrote and promoted a mock bill addressing adolescent obesity.
As part of her page duties, Kristen navigated 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 legislative page program, visit:http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/HousePageProgram.aspx.
