Three students from Elma High School served in the House of Representatives in Olympia April 1-5. Nate Mueller, Benjamin Borden and Jacob Borden were sponsored by 6th District Rep. Jeff Holy, R-Cheney.

Jacob and Benjamin are the sons of James and Shawn Borden of Elma, and Nate is the son of Michele and Michael Mueller of Elma.

“I’m glad the boys were able to come to Olympia and I appreciate their service,” Holy said. “The page program is an excellent program for students to not only learn about their government, but to experience it hands-on.”

The boys attended page school every day during their time in Olympia to better understand the operations and actions of the Legislature. At the end of the week, they wrote and promoted mock bills. Nate and Jacob’s bill would increase academic standards for high school sports eligibility, and Ben joined with another classmate to propose a bill addressing welfare fraud.

As part of their page duties, the boys navigated the many buildings on the Capitol campus and delivered messages and documents to legislators and staff.

Each year, students from around the state apply to participate in the legislative page program. Students spend a week attending page school, learning the inner workings of state government and assisting legislators on the House floor. Pages earn $35 per day while serving in the program.

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. For more information about the legislative page program, visit: https://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/HousePageProgram.aspx.
 

Photo Caption: Rep. Jeff Holy, Nate Mueller, Ben Borden and Jacob Borden next to the state seal on the floor of the House of Representatives. Credit: Washington State Legislature.