There's an easy way for middle and high school students to learn about democracy: go to the state Legislature in Olympia and see it first-hand.

Since 1891, students have come from across the state to serve as pages in the Senate and House of Representatives.

Recently, Colleen Rudd of Federal Way spent a week serving as a page for Rep. Mark Miloscia, D-Federal Way.

Colleen is the daughter of Sheila and Robert Rudd. She is an 11th grade student at Puyallup High School.

"It was a pleasure having Colleen in the House of Representatives," said Miloscia. "She's a bright young woman and I believe she learned a lot from watching how this place works."

Students or parents interested in the page program should contact Rep. Miloscia's office. Pages spend one week in Olympia, with housing and a meal allowance provided. To serve as a page, a student must:

Be at least 14 years old but not yet 17, have permission from their school and from their parents or legal guardian, and be sponsored by a member of the House or Senate.

For more information, log on to http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/PageInternProgram