For the Reporter

Brandon Berend, a student at Valley Christian School of Auburn, recently spent a week as a page for state Sen. Joe Fain (R-Auburn) at the Capitol in Olympia.

“I’ve watched a couple sessions on TV for a couple of minutes, but I didn’t know really how they worked and now I do,” Berend said. He added that he now knows how the floor works and how bills are translated into law.

“It’s really nice to get to know how our government works from live experience, instead of just a textbook,” he said. “Textbooks can only go so far in most scenarios.”

In addition to playing soccer, baseball and running track, Berend is involved in the Christian Life Club. He is also a member of the Auburn Junior City Council. He plans to be a software engineer.

Brandon, 14, is the son of Sharon and Brian Berend of Auburn.

The Senate Page Program is an opportunity for students to learn about parliamentary procedure and the legislative process. Students also draft their own bills and engage in a mock session.

Students interested in the program are encouraged to visit Fain’s website and select Get Involved – Senate Page Program.