OLYMPIA… Clara Kinion, a freshman at Kennewick High school, recently spent a week working as a page for the Washington State Senate in Olympia.

Kinion was one of 19 students who served as Senate pages for the fifth week of the 2026 legislative session.

She was sponsored by Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, who represents the 8th Legislative District, serving parts of Franklin and Benton counties.

“Clara did an excellent job serving as a page this week,” said Boehnke. This program gives motivated students a firsthand look at how the Legislature works. Clara approached every task with enthusiasm and professionalism, and I hope her time here was both meaningful and memorable.”

The Senate Page Program provides an opportunity for Washington students to spend a week working at Legislature. Students transport documents between offices, as well as deliver 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 legislative mock session.

“This program has been an amazing experience,” said Kinion. “It’s nice that people take you seriously; your presence feels valued and appreciated. My senator said I was doing a great job [on the Senate floor], and that felt really good.”

Kinion enjoys cheerleading, swimming, reading, and water coloring. Her favorite moments from the program included meeting the security guards and passing papers on the floor of the Senate chamber. She would like to pursue the Veterinary Program at Washington State University in Pullman and help care for remote animals in Alaska.

Kinion, 15, is the daughter of Kate and Tom Kinion of Kennewick.

Students interested in the Senate Page Program are encouraged to visit:

https://leg.wa.gov/learn-and-participate/civic-education-programs/page-program/ .

Page applications for the 2027 legislative session open Nov. 1, 2026.

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