OLYMPIA… Katalyna Contreras, an eighth-grader at Kiona-Benton City Middle School, recently spent a week working as a page for the Washington State Senate at the Capitol in Olympia.

Contreras was one of 25 students who served as Senate pages for the eighth week of the 2026 legislative session.

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

“Katalyna was a wonderful page to have with us this week,” said Boehnke. “She jumped right in, stayed focused and was always ready to help wherever she was needed. We were glad to have her in the Senate and hope her time at the Capitol was a memorable experience.”

The Senate Page Program provides an opportunity for Washington students to spend a week working at the 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 was much more fun than I had expected,” said Contreras. “Getting to work on the Senate floor and meeting legislators will be what I remember most from this week. I would recommend this program to anyone.”

Contreras, who is the daughter of Lorena and Devin Leavitt of Benton City, is 14 years old and enjoys drawing and playing sports, including basketball and track. Her history teacher recommended the Page Program to her. She enjoyed her time as a Senate page, including when she observed senators debating legislation. She would like to attend college to pursue a law degree.

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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