Amelia Barabe and Sen. Drew MacEwen

OLYMPIA, WASH. – Amelia Barabe, an 8th grader at Oakland Bay Junior High from Shelton, spent a week working as a page for the Washington State Senate at the Capitol in Olympia. Barabe was one of 13 students who served as a Senate page for the third week of the 2024 Legislative session.

Barabe was sponsored by 35th Legislative District Senator Drew MacEwen, who represents Mason County, and parts of Thurston and Kitsap counties.

“Amelia did a great job as a page,” MacEwen said. “It is always exciting when I see our young generation wanting to become involved in the legislative process.”

The Senate Page Program is an opportunity for Washington students to spend a week working in the Legislature. Students are responsible for transporting documents between offices, as well as delivering messages and mail. Pages spend time in the Senate chamber and attend page school to learn about parliamentary procedure and the legislative process. Students also draft their own bills and engage in a mock session.

“My favorite part was working in the Gallery and being able to meet new people while assisting the Senators and security,” said Barabe. Barabe also stated that being able to learn more about the process hands-on was a really special experience and would absolutely recommend this experience to other future pages.

Barabe, 14, enjoys reading, learning, and studying art, playing Unsolved Case Files games, and has been playing Softball for the past three years as a second baseman/outfielder. Amelia’s parents are Mike and Crystal Barabe.

Students interested in the Senate Page Program are encouraged to click here.