Olympia teen serves as House page
While many young people travel from across the state to serve as pages in the Washington House of Representatives, for Joseph Adams, it was only a short trip. Joseph lives in Olympia and is a freshman at Olympia High School. He recently served as a page and was sponsored by House Republican Leader Rep. Dan Kristiansen, R-Snohomish.
Paging presents students with a unique educational opportunity to participate in the legislative process. Their duties vary from ceremonial tasks, such as presenting the flags, to operational chores like distributing amendments during legislative sessions.
Joseph grew up in Olympia. He learned about the page program from a friend's father who is a lobbyist. Joseph enjoyed learning about state government during his week as a page. He also participated in a mock committee process.
To serve as a page, a student must have permission from a parent or guardian and school, be sponsored by a current member of the House of Representatives, and be at least 14 years of age and not have reached his or her 17th birthday.
After graduating from school, Joseph wants to attend Oregon State University for studies to become a marine biologist.
Joseph is the 15-year-old son of John and Tracie Adams of Olympia.
For more information about the House page program, visit: http://leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/HousePageProgram.aspx.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of the Washington State House of Representatives.
