Rochester middle school student serves in Olympia as state House page
Zachary Baird, a student from Rochester, traveled to Olympia the second week of the 2017 session to serve as a page in the state House of Representatives. He was sponsored by Rep. Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis.
During his time as a page, Zachary attended page school two hours each day to learn more about the operations and actions of the Legislature. Students also sponsor mock legislation, which they attempt to convince other pages from around the state to support. This week Zachary helped sponsor a mock bill to criminalize marijuana.
“I choose this bill because kids can get addicted to marijuana,” said Zachary. “They could get high, drive and hurt someone.”
The 14-year-old Rochester Middle School student is the son of Kent and Deana Baird. Zachary enjoys playing video games and is interested in learning more about coding.
“It was a privilege to host Zachary as a page,” said DeBolt. “We need more young men and women to get involved in state government. I hope this experience encourages him to stay involved.”
As part of his page duties, Zachary learned to navigate the many buildings on the Capitol campus, while delivering messages and documents to legislators and staff.
“Before coming here to work, I had never gone inside any of the state Capitol buildings,” said Zachary. “I really enjoyed doing errands for the representatives and going on the House floor to see their desks and how bills get processed.”
Each year students from around the state 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. 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 on the House Page Program visit: http://leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/HousePageProgram.aspx
CAPTION: House Page Zachary Baird and Rep. Richard DeBolt on the House floor in Olympia. Photo courtesy of the Washington State Legislature.
