Tag Archives: Page Program

Sawyer Kreis serves as page for Sen. Matt Boehnke

OLYMPIA… Sawyer Kreis, a sophomore at Hanford High School, recently spent a week working as a page for the Washington State Senate at the Capitol in Olympia.

He was one of 19 students who served as Senate pages for the eighth week of the 2025 legislative session.

He was sponsored by Sen. Matt Boehnke, who represents the 8th Legislative District, which includes Kennewick and Richland in Benton County.

“The page program gives Washington students a unique chance to learn about government and get to know other students from across the state,” said Boehnke. “Sawyer was a fantastic page and a hard worker, and I am very happy he enjoyed this 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.

One of the highlights of the week for Sawyer was getting to talk with senators while preforming page duties and getting to know them on a more human level. “Everyone here is so normal, even the senators are cool people and make jokes like everyone else does.”

Extra free time is not something Sawyer has too much of, as extracurricular activities include being the theater program, tennis, crafting sculptures, and lots of involvement with other school clubs and groups.

He is the 16-year-old son of Shawn and Irish Kreis of Richland.

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

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

The last day to apply for the Senate Page Program for the 2025 session is March 17, or until all available openings are filled. Applications for the 2026 legislative session open November 1, 2025.

 

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Boehnke sponsors three local high school students as House pages

During this year’s 60-day legislative session, Rep. Matt Boehnke has sponsored three local high school students as pages in the Washington State House of Representatives.

Zoe Pfeifer attends Delta High School. Her interests include playing tennis, attending medical camps, and serving in her local church.

“Zoe was a great addition to my legislative team,” said Boehnke. “We had a number of really good conversations about state government, and the work we do here in the Legislature to help our local cities and counties. I wouldn’t be surprised to see her run for office one day. She is a true leader!”

Bailie Jansons attends Richland High School. She plays violin and viola, and enjoys reading, writing, and bird watching. She also loves spending time with her family.

“Bailie was an inspiration to me throughout her week here at the Capitol,” added Boehnke. “She’s smart, works hard, and questions everything, which is a good thing. I know she has an extremely bright future ahead in any career field she chooses.”

Gemma Cannon-Green attends Hanford High School. She’s a violinist in the school’s chamber orchestra and a member of the varsity golf team. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, writing and surfing.

“It was awesome to see how much Gemma enjoyed serving as a page. Every day, she had a smile on her face and a spring in her step,” said Boehnke. “Her commitment to participating in everything she could showcased a strong work ethic and a can-do attitude that will serve her well as she goes forward in life.”

During their respective weeks serving as pages in the House, the students attended page school every day to learn about the three branches of state government, the lawmaking process, and the importance of civil discourse. They also carried out a number of duties critical to the efficient operation of the Legislature.

To become a page, applicants must have a legislative sponsor, be between the ages of 14 and 16, and obtain written permission from their parents and school. Pages earn $35 per day while serving in the program. For more information about the House Page Program, click here.

Rep. Boehnke with Delta High School student and House Page Zoe Pfeifer

Rep. Boehnke with Richland High School student and House Page Bailie Jansons

Rep. Boehnke with Hanford High School student and House Page Gemma Cannon-Green

Boehnke sponsors local students as House pages

Earlier this session, Rep. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, sponsored local students Grant Robertson (pictured left) and Johnathon Rexus (pictured right) as pages in the state House.

Robertson attends Chief Joseph Middle School in Richland, while Rexus attends Kamiakin High School in Kennewick. During their week in the House Page Program, the two students attended page school every day to learn about the three branches of state government, the lawmaking process, and the importance of civil discourse. They also carried out a number of duties critical to the efficient operation of the Legislature.

“One of the many things I enjoy about my job is having the opportunity to sponsor local students as pages,” said Boehnke. “I want to thank Grant and Johnathon for their service to the House, and for being willing to spend a week here in Olympia learning how their state government works! I wish them both the best going forward.”

To become a page, applicants must have a legislative sponsor, be between the ages of 14 and 16, and obtain written permission from their parents and school. Pages earn $35 per day while serving in the program. For more information about the House Page Program, click here.