Tag Archives: Senate Page

Kamiakin, Hanford students serve as pages for Sen. Matt Boehnke

Ryan Benham, Kennewick and Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

OLYMPIA… Ryan Benham and Alexander Li recently spent a week working as a page for the Washington State Senate at the Capitol in Olympia.

The teens were among 19 students who served as Senate pages for the ninth week of the 2025 legislative session.

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

“The page program is a great opportunity for youth from all over the state to connect and meet other students interested in politics,” Boehnke said. “Both of these boys were fantastic pages who did great work, and I am glad they both enjoyed their experience here at the Legislature.”

Ryan, a sophomore at Kamiakin High School and 16-year-old son of Denise Benham of Kennewick, became interested in paging when it was brought to his attention though his school.

He couldn’t be happier about having applied, commenting that “paging is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with an abundance of knowledge to gain in only a week’s time.”

Alexander, 15, is the son of Huidong Li of Richland. He is a sophomore at Hanford High School, where he is involved in Key Club and has gone to state as a Knowledge Bowl team member two years in a row.

Getting to meet fellow pages from across the state was the highlight of Alexander’s experience. “Making friendships with other students from all over the place was something I never expected, but I am so happy it happened,” he said.

Alexander Li, Richland and Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

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.

Students interested in the Senate Page Program are encouraged to visit the Senate Page webage.

Applications for the 2026 legislative session open November 1, 2025.

Video | Teach with TVW | Senate Page Ryan Benham, Kennewick

Senate Page, Ryan Benham, from Kennewick, asks Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee Chair Sharon Shewmake, (D) 42nd District, and Ranking Committee Member, Matt Boehnke (R) 8th District, the question: “With the rise in energy demands, polls show increasing public support for nuclear energy but many voters have concerns about safety and waste disposal. How do you balance these concerns with the need for clean and reliable energy?”

VIDEO | WATCH

D’Aquila serves as page for Sen. Matt Boehnke

OLYMPIA… Jason D’Aquila, a 9^th-grader at South Ridge High School, recently spent a week working as a page for the Washington State Senate at the Capitol in Olympia. D’Aquila was one of 32 students who served in the Senate during the Ninth week of the 2024 legislative session.

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

“Jason did a fantastic job paging this week and I am so happy I was able to be a part of such a special experience,” said Boehnke. “I’m so appreciative of all the hard work and learning Jason was a part of this week here in Olympia,” 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.

“This experience wasn’t what I expected, but I am so glad I decided to become a page because of how amazing the opportunity was for me,” said D’Aquila. He also stated that his favorite part of this experience was the chance to be on the Senate floor and have first-hand experiences.

D’Aquila, 15, enjoys reading, studying politics and history, playing video games, and spending time with his dog. Jason is the son of Jessica and John D’Aquila.

Students interested in the Senate Page Program are encouraged to visit http://leg.wa.gov/Senate/Administration/PageProgram/ to learn more.

Coates serves as page for Sen. Matt Boehnke

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.

“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.