For the Reporter

Natalie Eldridge, a freshman at White River High School, recently spent a week as a page for the Washington State Senate at the Capitol in Olympia.

Eldridge was one of 14 students who served as Senate pages for the ninth week of the legislative session.

Sen. Pam Roach, R-Auburn, 31st District and president pro tempore of the Senate, sponsored Eldridge.

“I thought it’d be really fun,” Eldridge said. “I liked being on the floor. It’s really cool to see how they make bills and I was surprised at how they were voted on.”

She said her favorite part was delivering messages to senators.

Eldridge has been riding horses for 10 years and is on the equestrian team at her school. She has an Arabian horse named Annabel and would like to be a dentist. Her sister has also participated in the page program.

Eldridge is the daughter of Keith and Jan Eldridge of Buckley.

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 and are often called upon to work in the Senate chamber while the body is in session. Pages attend page school 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 online.