Akira White, a sophomore at Auburn Riverside High School, spent a week at the Capitol working as a page for the Washington State Senate.

White was one of 16 students who served as Senate pages for the fifth week of the 2017 legislative session.

Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, who represents the 31st Legislative District, sponsored White.

“I would like to take a moment to personally thank Akira for taking time out of her busy school schedule to page for the Senate this week,” Fortunato said. “She’s only been here a few days and I’ve already received some really positive feedback from staff on how well she did, and how helpful she was. I have no doubt she is destined for great things.”

The Senate Page Program is an opportunity for Washington students to spend a week working in the Legislature. Students are responsible for transporting documents between offices, as well as delivering messages and mail. Pages spend time in the Senate chamber and attend page school to learn about parliamentary procedure and the legislative process. Students also draft their own bills and engage in a mock session.

“It’s a lot of fun,” White said when asked about her experiences in the Senate Page Program. “I got to explore the Capitol, and meet all kinds of new people!”

White, 15, enjoys skiing and playing volleyball.

She is the daughter of Dawn Catlow of Auburn and Nate White of Federal Way.

Students interested in the Senate Page Program are encouraged to visit leg.wa.gov.