Ethan Coates and Sen. Matt Boehnke

 OLYMPIA… Ethan Coates, an 8th grader at Bethlehem Lutheran from Cashmere, recently spent a week working as a page for the Washington State Senate at the Capitol in Olympia. Coates was one of 32 students who served in the Senate during the seventh week of the 2024 legislative session.

He was sponsored by 8th Legislative District Sen. Matt Boehnke, who represents Kennewick, Richland, and Benton counties.

“It was such an honor to have Ethan as a page this week,” said Boehnke. “He did an outstanding job, and I was thrilled that he chose to be a part of this opportunity and learn more about the process,” said Boehnke.

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 committee.

“I wanted to become a page because I love the history and learning that comes with the experience,” said Coates. He also stated his favorite part was being on the Senate Floor and getting the opportunity to see aspects of government he wouldn’t normally get to see.

Coates, 14, enjoys playing competitive chess and recently competed in states. He also enjoys reading and learning about history as well as playing golf in his free time. Ethan is the son of Donald and Jennifer Coates of Cashmere.

Students interested in the Senate Page Program are encouraged to visit the program’s webpage.