Rep. Mike Steele sponsors Manson High School student as House page

OLYMPIA - Zoe Rose Thomas, a Manson High School student, traveled to Olympia recently to serve as a page in the state House of Representatives. She was sponsored by her 12th District Rep. Mike Steele.

“Zoe was a big help to my office this week. I was happy to sponsor her as a House page,” said Steele. “It's exciting to see student pages engage in the process of state government. The House Page Program brings together kids from urban, rural, eastern and western parts of the states. Often, they form life-long friendships. I hope Zoe had a positive experience, made some good friends and enjoyed her time in Olympia. I'm sure she'll be successful in all her future endeavors!”

Zoe, a Manson resident, is the daughter of Phil and Celeste Hankins. Her hobbies include robotics, photography, track and cheer. During her time as a page, Zoe attended page school every day to understand the operations and actions of the Legislature. Her time in Olympia culminated with the presentation of a mock bill to a “committee” of her fellow students.

Each year, students from around the state apply to participate in the House 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 go to leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/HousePageProgram.aspx or to learn more about the Gina Grant Bull Memorial Legislative Page Scholarship program go to leg.wa.gov/PageSchool/Pages/GinaGrantBullScholarship.aspx.