OLYMPIA – Jacob Chapman, 15, a Selah homeschool student, recently traveled to Olympia to serve as a page in the state House of Representatives by sponsorship from District 13 Representative Alex Ybarra.

"It was a pleasure sponsoring Jacob," said Ybarra (R-Quincy), in a release by his office. "I hope he enjoyed his week at the state Capitol making new friends and learning the ropes at the Legislature. I know he represented the 13th District well."

The release said Jacob is the son of Scott and Tiffany Chapman. His interests and hobbies include reading, climbing, skiing, and riding his dirt bike.

As a page, Jacob learned to navigate the many buildings around the Capitol campus, delivering messages and documents to legislators and staff, and assisting on the House floor. He also attended page school each day to learn and understand the operations of the Legislature, the release stated.

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 $50 a day and can earn up to 20 hours of community service 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.

"Civic education is important. Serving as a page is a hands-on experience that teaches students about state government," Ybarra said. "It's always an honor to sponsor students looking to learn more about what we do in Olympia."