Antonio Fortunato, an eighth-grade student at Holy Innocents School of the Northwest, recently spent a week at the Capitol working as a page for the state Senate. Antonio was one of 19 students who served as Senate pages for the 10th week of the 2017 legislative session.

Sen. Phil Fortunato, who represents the 31st Legislative District, sponsored his grandson.

“It was great having Antonio page for me this week,” said Fortunato, R-Auburn. “I’m glad he was able to make it down to the Capitol to see what his granddad gets up to during session.”

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.

“I’ve heard a lot about the Capitol from my grandpa,” Antonio said when asked why he applied to the Senate Page Program. “I wanted to come learn more about the lawmaking process.”

Antonio’s cousin, Vincent Alvarez, also paged for the Senate this week. Sen. Jeannie Darneille, who represents the 27th Legislative District, sponsored him.

“I’ve had a lot of fun,” Vincent said about his experiences in the Senate Page Program. “I’ve learned a lot more about how the Legislature works.”

Antonio, 14, enjoys art and studying Latin.

He is the son of Mary Kate Fortunato and Johnathan Jenkins of Auburn.

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