Richard King of Fircrest, a homeschooled ninth grader, spent a week working as a page for the Washington State Senate at the Capitol in Olympia. King was one of 25 students who served as Senate pages for the seventh week of the 2019 legislative session.
He was sponsored by 28th Legislative District Sen. Steve O’Ban R-Pierce County. Sen. O’Ban serves Pierce County including Steilacoom, Fircrest and University Place.
King is the fourth in his family to participate in the program.
“I am so thankful for the opportunity to be here,” King said. “My family encouraged me to explore this option, and I am glad I did. I encourage anyone who is interested to apply.”
“Richard was a respectful young man,” Sen. O’Ban said. “He worked hard and made his family proud this week.”
The Senate Page Program provides an opportunity for Washington students to spend a week working at the Legislature. Students deliver documents and distribute 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 session.
King enjoys math and science. He spends his time developing software for games he creates.
King, 15, plans to attend a four-year college in Texas like his three older sisters. He is son of Richard and Lan King of Fircrest.
Students interested in the Senate Page Program are encouraged to visit: leg.wa.gov/Senate/Administration/PageProgram/