OLYMPIA — A sophomore at Highland Christian School, Sebastian Sanchez spent a week at Washington state capitol participating in the Senate Page Program. He was sponsored by Senator Val Stevens, R-Arlington.

The Senate Page Program is an opportunity for students, ages 14-16, to spend a week working in the Legislature. Pages are responsible for such tasks as running errands and delivering mail. They spend time in the Senate Chamber and in page school learning about parliamentary procedure and the legislative process. Sanchez was one of 22 students who took part in the program during the fourteenth week of the 2009 legislative session.

“The page program is full of great kids and Sebastian is no exception,” said Stevens.

“I’m glad he was able to take advantage of this opportunity to be a part of the legislative process.”

Sanchez heard about the program from his uncle who works at the Capitol, and was eager to apply.

“I wanted to see how government works,” he said.

Highlights of his week included working in the Senate Chamber and meeting Stevens. Sanchez enjoyed paging and recommends the program to other students. “It’s a really good experience,” he added.

In his spare time, Sanchez enjoys drama, snowboarding and honing his guitar skills and he also plays soccer and football. After high school he plans on attending the University of Washington with the goal of becoming an architect. Sanchez is the son of Shannon and Phillip Sanchez of Arlington.

Junior high and high school students who are interested in the Senate Page Program are encouraged to visit http://www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/Administration/PageProgram/.