Rep. Skip Priest is seeking students between the ages of 14 and 16 to page at the state Capitol in Olympia. The 30th District lawmaker is now accepting applications and encouraging students to apply.

“I truly enjoy having young people participate in our government. It’s a hands-on civics lesson that students do not get to experience anywhere else in the state,” said Priest, R-Federal Way. “Paging allows students to see the value in the work done in the state Capitol and to learn the importance of giving back through public service. One of the greatest parts of the program, according to past pages, is meeting students from every corner of Washington.”

Page duties can vary, but primarily include attending page school, distributing written messages during committee and floor action, and assisting with the daily functions of the Legislature. Pages also continue their regular school work during their time in Olympia.

To serve as a page, a student must:

• Have permission from a parent or guardian;

• Have permission from school;

• Be sponsored by a member of the Washington House of Representatives; and

• Be at least 14 years of age and have not reached his or her 17th birthday.

Pages work for one week and are paid $35 per day. If a student is accepted for the program, the Washington House of Representatives will provide a list of available private housing and offer assistance with arrangements. Many students opt to live with host families in the Olympia area. Students can apply to participate for the page program throughout the legislative session.

Interested students and families can contact Priest directly at (360) 786-7830 or priest.skip@leg.wa.gov.

More information, including a page application, can be found at: http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/PageInternProgram/housepageprogram.htm

The 2009 legislative session begins Jan. 12 and is scheduled to run 105 days.