Keanan Koempel, a student at The River Academy in Wenatchee, served as a legislative page for the state House of Representatives during the week on Jan. 21 to Jan. 26. She was sponsored by her 12th District Rep. Keith Goehner.  

Keanan is the daughter of Josh and Ashley Koempel of Cashmere.

“It was great to have Keanan help us out during session. It is important for students to see firsthand how state government works and get a better understanding of our political process,” said Goehner, R-Dryden. “There is a focus on politics at all levels of government right now. I am hopeful more students like Keanan will stay involved so they have an understanding of their state government and the issues before us in Olympia.”

During her service in the Legislature, Keanan delivered messages and documents to legislators during committee meetings, to their offices, and in the House chamber. She attended page school, where a certified instructor teaches students about the legislative process.

Each year students from around the state apply to become a page. Applicants must have a legislative sponsor and be between the ages of 14 and 16. Additionally, pages are required to obtain written permission from their parents and school. Pages are paid $65 a day and can also earn up to 20 hours of community service. Applicants who need financial assistance for the expense of traveling and staying in Olympia may also apply for the Gina Grant Bull Memorial Legislative Page Scholarship, which helps to offset expenses.

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