Van Werven sponsors Lynden High School student in House Page Program
Madeline Swaney, a student at Lynden High School, spent the week of Jan. 28 – Feb. 2 in Olympia serving as a page in the Washington State House of Representatives. She was sponsored by her 42nd District Rep. Luanne Van Werven.
Each year, students from around the state apply to participate in the Legislative Page Program. Students spend a week attending page school, where they learn the inner workings of state government, and assist legislators on the House floor. Students also draft legislation and present their bills in a mock committee hearing to fellow pages.
“It is great to see young people from Whatcom County in the marble hallways of Olympia. Madeline was a fantastic page. She is very driven,” said Van Werven, R-Lynden. “I am pleased she expressed such an interest in the Legislature and her state government. She shared with me that the page program was a great experience and recommends it to any other students who are considering it in the future.”
Madeline is the daughter of Elliot Swaney and Caroline Austin-Swaney. She likes swimming and reading.
Pages work on a culminating project and write a piece of legislation, then present the bill in a mock committee hearing to fellow pages.
“Madeline took on a difficult topic for her culminating project. It challenged her and it was a good experience as she collaborated with other students. She should be proud of her efforts,” Van Werven said.
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.
The Washington State Legislature adjourns on March 8.
PHOTO: Rep. Luanne Van Werven and House Page Madeline Swaney. (Courtesy of the Washington State Legislature)
