Port Townsend High School ninth-graders River Kisler and Finnegan O’Donnell recently served as pages in the Washington State Senate and Washington State House of Representatives, respectively.

The page program offers a hands-on opportunity for students to find out how state government works. In addition to contributing to the efficient operation of the Legislature, pages receive daily civics instruction, draft their own bills, and participate in mock committee hearings. They also have the opportunity to work on the legislative floor.

Kisler, a ninth-grader, served as a page during the week of Feb. 5-9. “River really made the most of this time here, and his enthusiasm and interest in government were daily reminders of why we’re here and why we do what we do,” said Sen. Kevin Van De Wege, D-Sequim, who sponsored Kisler’s week in the Legislature. “Every time we sponsor a page, I think our office comes away from the experience even more inspired than the student.”

“The biggest appeal of this program is being able to be here at the center of it all and see the process. I know more now than I ever expected to,” said Kisler, adding, “I was expecting it to be super serious. I was pleasantly surprised with how available and friendly everyone is.”

Kisler, 15, enjoys skiing, biking, playing cello in orchestra and participating in the Know Your Government Program in his free time.

O’Donnell is the son of Jefferson County Commissioner Kate Dean and Will O’Donnell of Port Townsend.

He was sponsored by state Rep. Steve Tharinger, D-Sequim. He served as a page Feb. 5-9.

O’Donnell participates on his high school’s Mock Trial Team and plans to pursue an education in law and government.