Darrel Belvin, right, of Federal Way served as a legislative page with Rep. Skip Priest during the week of March 3.
Darrel Belvin of Federal Way served as a legislative page the week of March 3. Darrel is 15 years-old and is home-schooled.
He was hosted by Rep. Skip Priest, R-Federal Way.
Pages are exposed to the Legislature in action and are responsible for delivering messages and documents to legislators in their offices, in committee meetings and in the House chambers during floor sessions. While in Olympia, students are also required to continue their studies for two hours during the day.
The ninth-grader said he had a lot of fun serving as a page and has made some great friends. The best part of the week, said Darrel, was participating in the page school's mock trial where he served as the clerk of the committee.
"I'm glad to see our young people interested in the legislative process," said Priest. "We never know what experience will shape our children to be leaders in our communities, but I believe the page program is one of those vital experiences that ensures every child knows they have a voice and can make a difference."
Darrel has two older brothers, Gary and Eric who have also served as pages, and is the son of Laura and Steve Belvin of Federal Way.
To become a page, applicants must have a legislative sponsor and 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/PageInternProgram