Zach Areopagita

OLYMPIA, WASH. – Zach Areopagita, a 10th grader at Pope John Paul II High School from Shelton, spent a week working as a page for the Washington State Senate at the Capitol in Olympia. Areopagita was one of 15 students who served as a Senate page for the fourth week of the 2024 Legislative session.

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

“Zach did a great job serving as a page this week,” MacEwen said. “I was honored that he chose to be part of the page program and be 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.

“I wanted to become a page because my sister who was previously a page last year told me how much of an amazing opportunity It was and highly recommended it to me,” said Areopagita. He also stated that his favorite part about the experience was all the connections he made throughout the week and how he appreciated that everyone treated him with respect and kindness rather than just a kid.

Areopagita, 16, enjoys playing basketball, baseball, and track for his school as well as being a part of the Future Business Leaders of America program because he is involved with both Cybersecurity testing and impromptu speaking. He stated he was excited about how it would help him develop and create more opportunities.

Zach’s parents are Federico and Caroline Areopagita.

Students interested in the Senate Page Program are encouraged to visit:

http://leg.wa.gov/Senate/Administration/PageProgram/