Melissa May, a student at Auburn Adventist Academy, took time away from her studies to participate in the Senate Page Program during the fifth week of the 2009 legislative session.

May was one of 20 Washington students between the ages of 14 and 16 who took part in the program this week. Pages deliver mail, run errands, present the flag and learn parliamentary procedure first-hand. Students also try their hand at drafting a bill and engage in a mock session.

Sen. Roach, R-rural Auburn, sponsored May during her stay.

“I’m a big fan of the page program,” Roach said. “It’s the perfect way for young people like Melissa to learn about state government.”

May heard about the program from a relative and applied because she was interested in finding out more about the legislative process.

“I thought I’d learn a lot,” May said. “Before this, I didn’t think about politics much. Now it’s something I’m interested in.”

May said that one of the highlights from her week in Olympia was watching the senators interact in the Senate Chamber.

“It was neat to be up close and get to hear their conversations,” she said. May also got the chance to meet Roach and reported that she is nice.

Aside from school May stays busy listening to music, playing basketball and participating in student government. She is also an avid snowboarder. May is the daughter of Samuel and Doreen May of Bonney Lake, Washington.