Auburn twins serve as pages for Sen. Fortunato

April 26, 2019 8:00 am
Sen. Fortunato with Senate Pages Matthew (front), Daniel (right), and their mother, Ning. COURTESY PHOTO, Washington State Legislature
Sen. Fortunato with Senate Pages Matthew (front), Daniel (right), and their mother, Ning. COURTESY PHOTO, Washington State Legislature

Daniel and Matthew Cegielski of Auburn, eighth-graders at Mt. Baker Middle School, spent a week working as a page for the Washington State Senate at the Capitol in Olympia.

They were two of 20 students who served as Senate pages for the 14th week of the 2019 legislative session.

Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, sponsored the twins. Fortunato represents the 31st Legislative District, which serves parts of King and Pierce counties, including Auburn, Bonney Lake, Edgewood, Enumclaw, Sumner and Wilkeson.

“Daniel and Matthew were excellent pages. They were eager to learn and always completed their duties with enthusiasm,” Fortunato said. “They have a bright future ahead.”

The Senate Page Program provides an opportunity for Washington students to spend a week working at the Legislature. Students transport documents between offices and deliver 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.

Daniel’s favorite part of being a page was being on the Senate floor, watching debates, and attending page school where he got to participate in the legislative process. When asked if he would recommend the program, he responded, “Yes! It’s just so fun to learn everything that’s happening. You get to see the ‘how’ and ‘why’ side of laws.”

Daniel’s enjoys participating in track and playing tennis, soccer, video games and the cello. After high school he plans to pursue a degree in business or computer management at the University of Washington. One day he hopes to be an investor like the ones he sees on the ABC TV series, “Shark Tank.”

Matthew’s favorite part of being a page was making deliveries in the Legislative Building, watching floor debates and passing notes between senators. He said the program helped him step out of his comfort zone and network with others.

Matthew enjoys participating in track and playing tennis, soccer, and violin. After high school he plans to pursue computer science, computer programing, or electrical engineering.

Daniel and Matthew, 14, are the sons of Bob and Ning Cegielski of Auburn.

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