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Bree Benner, a freshman at Rochester High School, recently spent a week working as a page for the Washington state Senate at the Capitol in Olympia, Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview, announced in a news release.
She was one of 19 students who served as Senate pages for the fourth week of the 2026 legislative session.
She was sponsored by Wilson, who represents the 19th Legislative District, which includes parts of Grays Harbor, Lewis, Thurston and Cowlitz counties, and all of Wahkiakum and Pacific counties.
“Bree was excellent to have as a page,” Wilson said in the release.
“I’m always happy to see future generations learn about our state government. I hope that Bree’s experience is one she remembers for a long time.”
The Senate Page Program provides Washington students 14 to 16 years old an opportunity to spend a week working at the statehouse.
Students transport documents between offices and deliver messages and mail.
Pages spend time in the Senate chamber and attend page school to learn about parliamentary procedure and the legislative process. Students also draft their own bills and engage in a legislative mock session.
“This program was better than I expected,” Benner said. “Everyone was super nice. I had not considered politics as a career pathway, and my experience at the Legislature has given me more options for what career I want to pursue. I wish I could do this program again.”
Benner said her favorite experience was watching senators debate and negotiate legislation on the Senate floor.
Benner enjoys many activities, including pageants, wrestling, track, baking, camping and ceramics, according to the release. She plans to pursue Running Start with hopes of attending Pacific Lutheran University.
Benner, 14, is the daughter of Maree and Timothy Benner, of Rochester.
Students interested in the Senate Page Program are encouraged to visit https://tinyurl.com/mw9r7vvp.
The last day to apply for the Senate Page Program for the 2026 session is Feb. 20, or until all available openings are filled. Page applications for the 2027 legislative session open Nov. 1.
