Rep. Van Werven sponsors niece as page in House of Representatives
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Rep. Van Werven sponsors niece as page in House of Representatives
EmmaRae Van Werven, a student from Lynden High School, served as a page in the state House of Representatives in Olympia April 6-10. She was sponsored by her aunt and 42nd district Rep. Luanne Van Werven, R-Lynden.
“I am always happy to sponsor pages from the Forty-second district, but it was great to have my niece serve as a page during my first legislative session,” said Van Werven. “The program is an excellent way for students to learn how our state government operates. I hope EmmaRae had a great time here this week, and made lasting friendships with the other pages.”
EmmaRae, daughter of Wayne and Janet Van Werven, is a sophomore at Lynden High School. She is involved in her school's musical and drama departments, and the track team. During her time as a page, EmmaRae attended page school every day to understand the operations and actions of the Legislature. Her time at the Capitol culminated with the presentation of her mock bill, which aims to reduce the number of abortions performed by mandating girls under 18 inform their parents of the abortion before the procedure occurs.
As part of her page duties, EmmaRae learned to navigate 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 House page program, visit: http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/HousePageProgram.aspx.
