Last week, Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, sponsored Olympia student Carter Black as a page in the Washington State House of Representatives.

Carter is 15 years old and attends Gateway Academy. He’s a participant in the YMCA Youth and Government program, and spends a lot of time studying history and the functions of government. One of his hobbies is collecting military pins, both Soviet and Polish—the latter because he visited Poland last summer.

During his week at the Capitol, Carter attended page school every day to learn more about the three branches of state government, the lawmaking process, and the importance of civil discourse. He also carried out a number of duties critical to the efficient operation of the Legislature.

“The House Page Program was created for civic-minded students like Carter, who love history and want to learn more about how state government works,” said MacEwen. “I’m really glad I had the opportunity to sponsor him as a page, and hope he had a great time making new friends and creating lasting memories. Something tells me he’ll be back here at the Capitol one day, perhaps with his name on one of the 98 desks on the House floor.”

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, click here.