Zoe Schenk, 16, served as a page in the Washington State Senate during the week of March 27, the 12th week of the 2017 Legislative Session.

Sen. Guy Palumbo, D-Maltby, sponsored Schenk’s week in the Legislature.

“Zoe was a great contributor,” Palumbo said. “It was inspiring to see her passion for politics and her enthusiasm for her future.”

During their week at the Capitol, pages learn about the legislative process while assisting senators and staff. They hear lectures from guest speakers and attend page school where they create their own bills in a mock committee setting. Schenk proposed clean-car legislation that would require emissions testing on all cars made before 2009.

“I really liked mock,” Schenk said. “I enjoyed getting to ask other groups questions.”

Pages have many responsibilities during the week that take them all around the Capitol campus and give them access to places restricted to the general public. Their short journeys give the pages the opportunity to meet and speak with many people.

Schenk encourages her peers to take advantage of this opportunity while they still can and apply early to make sure they can reserve a spot.

“It’s worthwhile, especially if you are interested in politics,” said Schenk. “It’s an informative experience that is also enjoyable.”

Schenk is in the 10th grade at Inglemoor High School in Kenmore. She is looking forward to staffing a model United Nations conference when she returns home.