OLYMPIA — Two Central Kitsap High School students, Elise Carlson and Hailey Junt, spent a week working as pages for the Washington State Senate at the Capitol in Olympia.

Both sophomores, they were two of 20 students serving as pages for the fourth week of the 2016 legislative session.

Both Carlson and Junt were sponsored by Sen. Jan Angel, Senate Republican Caucus Vice Chair.

“I always enjoy meeting all the promising young scholars that come through our Senate Page Program. Elise (Carlson) did a great job for us during the fourth week of session,” said Angel, R-Port Orchard.

Carlson enjoys staying active, hanging out with friends, and going to concerts.

“My favorite part was working up in the galleries with the security guards directing people. It gives you a really good sense of accountability so you feel like you’re making a difference,” said Elise about her experience as a Senate page. Carlson, 15, is the daughter of Glen and Rebecca Carlson of Silverdale.

“Hailey (Junt) did a wonderful job for us as a page this week. I am so happy she got to get a glimpse of how our Legislature works,” Angel said.

Junt enjoys participating in cheer, ASB, and playing golf.

“I really like how friendly everyone is here, it put a smile on my face,” said Hailey about her experience as a Senate page.

Junt, 15, is the daughter of Daniel and Cheryl Junt of Silverdale.

The Senate Page Program is an opportunity for Washington students to spend a week working in the Legislature. Students are responsible for transporting documents between offices, as well as delivering 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.

Students interested in the Senate Page Program are encouraged to visit leg.wa.gov/Senate/Administration/PageProgram.

— Edited by Michelle Beahm