Dakota Osgood, a freshman at Centralia High School, served as a page for the Washington state Senate last week. Osgood was sponsored by state Sen. Kevin Van De Wege, D-Lake Sutherland.
The Senate page program provides students ages 14 to 17 a hands-on chance to learn how state government works. During their week at the capitol, students receive a first-hand look at the legislative process and have the opportunity to explore the Capitol campus by delivering papers for Senate staff.
Osgood applied to be a page because he believed it would be a fun experience. He enjoyed his time at the Capitol, saying his favorite part was “being on the Senate floor.”
As part of the page program, pages participate in Page School, where they learn about the legislative process and participate in mock committees, where they draft their own bills and debate them as part of the committee process. Osgood worked with another page to draft a bill that would provide Narcan in public spaces to prevent opioid overdoses.
“This bill addresses the issue of the opioid epidemic,” Osgood said. “This bill will help reduce people dying due to opioids and help them quit if they are ready.”
Van De Wege said he enjoyed his time with Osgood, adding he “appreciates his passion for public service.”
For more information about the state Senate Page Program, contact senatepageprogram@leg.wa.gov.
