OLYMPIA - Two Moses Lake homeschoolers recently got the chance to witness the legislative process up close as pages in the state House of Representatives.

Pages apply to participate in the program and, if selected, spend a week in page school learning about how state government works and assisting lawmakers on the House floor, all the while earning $35 a day. Moses Lake homeschool students Joshua Cooper, who was sponsored by 13th District Rep. Matt Manweller, R-Ellensburg, and Zachary Henninger, who was sponsored by 13th District Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, served as pages from Jan. 23-27.

Joshua is the son of Casey and Christina Cooper and is involved in cross-country and track. In addition, he is a recipient of the Royal Rangers Gold Medal of Achievement.

"Civic education is an important part of our state's curriculum. Our House Page Program is an excellent way for students from around the state to learn how our state government operates," Manweller said. "I hope Joshua had a great time during his week in Olympia and that he made lasting friendships with the other pages. I am grateful for his service during the session."

Zachary is the son of Brian and Nancy Henninger and the grandson of former 13th District Sen. Harold Hochstatter. While in Olympia, he went to page school and delivered messages and documents to legislators and staff.

"Zachary did a great job, and I appreciate having him in Olympia for a week to help our Legislature run smoothly," Dent said. "Being a page is a great experience and I have heard from all students who have paged that it is something they won't forget and the memories will last a lifetime."

For more information on the page program, and how to apply, visit www.leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/HousePageProgram.aspx.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.