Rep. Skyler Rude sponsors Richland teen to be a House of Representatives page

Martha Gilmour, a sophomore at Hanford High School, recently traveled to Olympia to serve as a page in the state House of Representatives. Rep. Skyler Rude was her legislative sponsor.

As a page, Martha navigated the many buildings around the Capitol campus, delivered important messages and documents to legislators and staff, and assisted on the House floor. She also attended page school each day to learn about the operations of the Legislature and the work involved in drafting a bill.

“The Washington State Legislature is one of the few remaining legislatures in the country that continues to offer a page program. Civic education is a vital part of our state’s curriculum, and there is no substitute for seeing government in action,” said Rude. “Through the program, Martha had the opportunity to deepen her understanding by engaging directly in the legislative process and experiencing it firsthand.”

Martha has a variety of interests and goes the extra mile. She is a two-time varsity swimmer, a Star Scout working toward the Life Rank in Scouting America, and has recently earned her American Red Cross Lifeguard certification. She also volunteers with her church and community, helping with Vacation Bible School, trash cleanups, and environmental stewardship.

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. Pages earn $65 a day and can earn up to 20 hours of community service 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, click here.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov