OLYMPIA… Sophia Bell, a freshman at Sultan High School, recently spent a week working as a page for the Washington State Senate at the Capitol in Olympia.

She was one of 16 students who served as Senate pages for the fifth week of the 2025 legislative session.

Her sponsor was Sen. Keith Goehner, who represents the 12th Legislative District, serving Chelan and parts of King, and Snohomish counties.

“Sophia was excellent as a page. She did a great job with everything we asked and seemed to enjoy being a part of what happens during a legislative session, even if it was for only a week,” Sen. Goehner said.

The Senate Page Program provides an opportunity for Washington students to spend a week working at the Legislature. Students transport documents between offices, as well as deliver 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 legislative mock session.

Sophia applied to be a page on the recommendation of a good friend, and said it was “an unforgettable experience.” Her biggest takeaway is how important it is to “be in the present” and embrace every opportunity that comes along.

Welding, art, and softball are just a few of Sophia’s main interests and hobbies both in and out of school. In her free time, she also finds herself drawn to nature and enjoys rock climbing when the opportunity arises.

Sophia, 15, is the daughter of Anna Bell of Sultan.

Students interested in the Senate Page Program are encouraged to visit:

https://leg.wa.gov/learn-and-participate/civic-education-programs/page-program/

The last day to apply for the Senate Page Program for the 2025 session is March 17, 2025, or until all available openings are filled. Applications for the 2026 legislative session open November 1, 2025.