Ferndale high school student serves as page in state House
Sponsored by 42nd District Rep. Luanne Van Werven, Whatcom county native Finnegan Boyd traveled to Olympia on March 6 to serve as a page in the state House of Representatives during the last week of legislative session.
The page program is designed to educate students about the legislative process and expose them to the work being done at their state capital. Finn learned to navigate the many buildings on the Capitol campus while delivering messages and documents to legislators and staff. He assisted representatives on the House floor during debate and voting, and spent time with his representative.
“I am always happy to sponsor the young people from Whatcom County in our House page program. I am grateful for Finn's service during his week in Olympia. I hope he will continue to find ways to be involved in the legislative process in the future,” said Van Werven, R-Lynden. “The program is an excellent way for students to learn how our state government operates. I hope he had a great time, and made lasting friendships with the other pages.”
During his week in Olympia, Finn attended page school every day to understand the operations and actions of the Legislature. As a culminating project he co-wrote a piece of legislation that would enhance safety in school zones by improving visibility of signs and markings for pedestrians and drivers. Presenting the bill in a mock committee hearing consisting of his fellow pages, Finn convinced the group to pass the bill.
The son of Matthew and Christina Boyd of Ferndale, Finn has lettered in cross country and track at Ferndale High School.
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. Pages earn $35 per day while serving in the program. For more information about the House page program, visit: http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/HousePageProgram.aspx.
