McAallister learns how to be a Page for Senator Brad Hawkins

Amelia McAllister, a sophomore at Wenatchee High School, served as page during the week of Jan. 16-20 for the Washington State Senate at the state Capitol in Olympia.

McAllister was sponsored by Sen. Brad Hawkins, R-East Wenatchee, who represents the 12th Legislative District. She was one of the 13 students who served as Senate pages for the second week of the 2023 legislative session.

The Senate Page Program gives Washington students between the ages of 14 and 16 an opportunity to spend a week working in the Legislature. During their time at the Capitol, pages are responsible for transporting documents between offices, as well as delivering mail and messages. Pages spend their time in the Senate chamber when they are not on the floor or transporting documents. They also attend page school to learn about parliamentary procedure and the legislative process. During the week, pages work together to draft their own bills and engage in a mock legislative session.

“I wanted to become a page because I am really interested to the legislative process and how our state government works. It really allows you to get a close-up view to see how everything works,” said McAllister.

McAllister really enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about the senators as well.

“Senators are just normal people doing great things, serving the community and trying to make a change,” said McAllister. “It was an honor being sponsored by Sen. Hawkins; I didn’t know him personally before, but he is very well respected in our small community.”

“Amelia was such a smart and kind young woman, mature beyond her years for sure. It was so great to have her as a Senate Page this session. She had a unique curiosity about the entire process and even attended my committee hearings. I have no doubt that she is going to accomplish great things in her life,” said Hawkins.

McAllister worked on the mock bill that focuses on homelessness and the severity of the problem. She proposed that money from the state should go directly to the counties so they can make their own decisions based on their areas needs.

During the week serving as a page, McAllister got the opportunity to play piano in the state reception room in the Legislative Building. She has been playing piano for over 10 years and performed a piece from one of her recitals.

In her free time, McAllister is also involved in debate. McAllister hopes to attend college in Switzerland where her family is from and study international relations.

McAllister, 16, is the daughter of Lydia and Michael McAllister of Wenatchee.