Alex Seifert, an eighth-grader from St. Francis of Assisi in Burien, took time away from his studies last week to participate in the Senate Page Program. He was sponsored by Sen. Joe Fain (R-Auburn).

The Senate Page Program is an opportunity for Washington students, ages 14 to 16, to spend a week working in the Legislature. Pages are responsible for such tasks as presenting the flag, running errands and delivering mail. They spend time in the Senate chamber and in page school learning about the legislative process. Seifert was one of 18 pages during the eleventh week of the 2011 legislative session.

“The page program is full of great kids and Alex is no exception,” Fain said. “I’m glad he was able to take advantage of this opportunity to learn about our state government.”

Fain, a graduate of Mount Rainier High School, grew up in Normandy Park and coached the Seifert family in swimming at Olympic View Swim Club.

“This was a great opportunity and I have really enjoyed being a page,” Seifert said. “Before I came here, I had been struggling in my history class, we were leaning about government. After being a page I have a much better understanding of how a bill becomes a law and how the whole process works.”

Seifert stays active playing football, basketball and golfing. He is a member of St. Francis’ Honor Band in which he plays the drums. Seifert hopes to go to college and pursue a career in advertising.

Seifert is the son of Mike and Barbie Seifert of Normandy Park.

Junior high and high school students who are interested in the Senate Page Program are encouraged to visit www.leg.wa.gov.