OLYMPIA — Anna Kelly, a freshman at Marcus Whitman Junior High School, took time away from her studies to spend the week of Feb. 3-7 participating in the Senate Page Program at the Washington State Legislature.

She was sponsored by Sen. Jan Angel (R-Port Orchard) of the 26th Legislative District.

Kelly, the daughter of daughter of Kathleen Cooper and Eric Kelly of Port Orchard, was one of 21 students who took part in the program during the fourth week of the 2014 legislative session. Pages deliver mail, run errands, present the flag and learn parliamentary procedure firsthand. Students also try their hand at drafting a bill and engage in a mock session.

“My favorite part of the experience was listening to the floor debates,” said the 14-year-old Kelly. “I really enjoyed meeting the legislators, especially Sen. Angel, and seeing how they work.”

“Anna was a great addition to the page program and it was a pleasure meeting her,” said Angel. “The program offers a great opportunity for students to get an inside look at how our state government works while we are in session – who knows how it might change the course of a student’s future.”

Students between the ages of 14 to 16 who are interested in the Senate Page Program are encouraged to visit www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/Administration/PageProgram.