McKinley serves as page for Sen. Roach
Published 5:27 pm Thursday, February 20, 2014
For the Reporter
Matthew McKinley, a freshman at Washington Virtual Academies, took time away from school to spend the week of Feb. 3-7 participating in the Senate Page Program at the Washington State Legislature. He was sponsored by Sen. Pam Roach (R-rural Auburn) of the 31st Legislative District.
McKinley was one of 21 students ages 14 to 16 who took part in the program during the fourth week of the 2014 legislative session. Pages deliver mail, run errands, present the flag and learn parliamentary procedure firsthand. Students also try their hand at drafting a bill and engage in a mock session.
“Working in the page program gives students the opportunity to learn about parliamentary procedure and state government” Roach said. “I hope he enjoyed his experience here and learned a lot.”
“I had first heard about the page program when visiting the state Capitol,” said the 15-year-old McKinley. “My favorite part was delivering messages to the senators.”
In his spare time, Matthew participates in cross-country and soccer, plays the guitar, and enjoys snowboarding and hunting. After high-school, he hopes to attend the United States Air Force Academy, serve in the U.S. Air Force and become a pilot.
He is the son of Ken and Cathy McKinley of Bonney Lake.
Junior high/middle school and high school students who are interested in the Senate Page Program are encouraged to visit http://www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/Administration/PageProgram/.
