Two Sky Valley students serve as pages in state House
Benson Gonzales and Justus Dahlinger, both of Monroe, recently served as pages in the state House of Representatives. They were sponsored by 39th District Rep. Dan Kristiansen, R-Snohomish.
The two, both students at Sky Valley Education Center in Monroe, spent the week assisting representatives and staff by delivering documents and helping on the floor when the House of Representatives was in session. A part of each day was spent in page school understanding the operations and actions of the Legislature, often hearing from lawmakers themselves.
“It was an honor to sponsor these young gentleman. Benson and Justus both impressed me during their time here,” said Kristiansen. “The page program is designed to bring students from all across Washington to see how their government works, and I'm glad two people from my area could take part in the process. I hope they enjoyed the experience, and look forward to where their futures take them.”
At the end of their week in Olympia, each page presents a bill they wrote to a mock committee consisting of their fellow pages. Benson addressed the transgender bathroom access issue with his bill, while Justus convinced the mock committee to expand the crime of distracted driving to include using the internet on a cell phone.
Justus is in the final stages of becoming an Eagle Scout. One day he wants to be a performer, so Justus participates in drama as well as dance to hone his skills. He is the son of Gina and Rod Dahlinger of Monroe.
The son of Darren and Aminda Gonzales, also of Monroe, Benson enjoys going out for cross country and track. He loves music and can be found practicing his clarinet or piano most evenings. He also participates in the Sky Valley show choir.
Each year, students from around the state like Justus and Benson apply to participate in the legislative page program. Students spend a week attending page school, learning the inner workings of state government and assisting legislators on the House floor. 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. For more information about the House page program, visit: http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/HousePageProgram.aspx.
