Paging in the House of Representatives

Sarah has spent all this week in Olympia at the State Capitol as a page for the House of Representatives.

Sarah with the other House Pages on the floor of the House Chambers

Sarah with her sponsoring representative, Larry Seaquist

She has had a great time and learned a lot.  It has been a full and busy week.  Each morning she got up by 5:00 a.m. got ready, and left by 6:00.  David drove her part way and then she boarded a bus the rest of the way to the Capitol.  She started her days by 7:30 and worked until 5:00 each day.  Then she would ride the bus back to Lakewood, where David would meet her and bring her the rest of the way home.  They usually got home about 6:15.

As a page, she ran errands for the House Members, worked in the gift shop and the cafeteria, and delivered documents, including bills.  In addition, she went to two hours of page school each day where she learned about government and how it works, and then debated a bill.  One day the State Superintendent of Education was the speaker and she planned her questions for him ahead of time (so did I!).  She made new friends, and learned that it is hard to get up and go to work every day.  She has been exhausted--and a little sick.

On Sunday afternoon David and I took her down to Olympia for her orientation.  We got to go on a tour of the Capitol Building.

It is a beautiful building.  We learned that all of the light fixtures were designed by a Mr. Tiffany--son of the famous jewelry store founder, Tiffany.  They are priceless and beautiful. 

We looked up at the amazing dome--17 stories tall. 

The Italian picture marble graces the reception room. 

There was a beautiful old piano that Sarah tested out--with permission.

We got to see the Senate Chambers,

and the House Chambers.

The parents had to watch from the wings while the pages got an orientation of some of their duties.  Only the Representatives, their guests, and staff are allowed on the house floor.  Since Sarah was staff for the week, she got to go. 

I loved the beautiful details of the building. 

I must admit, I was feeling a bit jealous.  It sounded like lots of fun to me.