Reb. Smith sponsors Whidbey home-school student

Earlier this session Whidbey Island home-school student Jon Michael Halvorson served as a page in the Washington State House of Representatives. He was sponsored by 10th District Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton. Jon, 15, is the son of Daniel and Lesli Halvorson.

Earlier this session Whidbey Island home-school student Jon Michael Halvorson served as a page in the Washington State House of Representatives. He was sponsored by 10th District Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton.

Jon, 15, is the son of Daniel and Lesli Halvorson.

“Jon is a talented, enthusiastic and natural leader,” said Rep. Smith. “I so appreciated his can-do attitude, and look forward to hearing of his continued achievements.”

During her week in Olympia, Jon attended page school every day to better understand the operations and actions of the Legislature.

At the end of the week, Jon wrote and promoted a mock bill addressing cell phone use while driving.

As part of his page duties Jon navigated the many buildings on the Capitol campus and delivered messages and documents to legislators and staff.

Each year, students from around the state apply to participate in the legislative page program. Students spend a week attending page school, learning the inner workings of state government and assisting legislators on the House floor. Pages earn $35 per day while serving in the program.

To become a page, applicants must have a legislative sponsor, be between the ages of 14 and 16, and obtain written permission from their parents and school. For information about program, visit: www.leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/HousePageProgram.aspx