Jackson Bumala, a 14-year‑old student from Vancouver, recently spent a week in Olympia serving as a page in the Washington State House of Representatives. His participation was sponsored by Rep. John Ley, who represents Washington’s 18th Legislative District. The appointment was noted in reporting by Clark County Today.

The Legislature’s page program, which is open to Washington students ages 14 to 16, places participants inside the daily operations of the House. Pages assist with delivering documents, supporting floor activity, and participating in civics education through the program’s curriculum. The program is administered directly by the Washington State Legislature, which describes the week‑long assignment as an opportunity for students to observe policymaking from inside the chamber.

While most pages come from the district of the sponsoring legislator, placements often reflect broader community interest in state governance. Vancouver families have historically been active participants in the program, which continues to draw applicants from across Southwest Washington.

Rep. Ley’s sponsorship of Bumala places a local student in proximity to the debates and procedural work that shape state law. The program does not involve policy advocacy by the students themselves; instead, it emphasizes observation, procedural roles, and structured civic instruction.

Why this matters

Although the page program is statewide, its impact is local. Families in Longview, Kelso, and other communities across Cowlitz County routinely look for accessible ways to introduce students to state institutions. The Legislature’s program remains one of the few no‑cost, publicly administered civic education pathways that connects young residents directly to elected officials and legislative process.

For communities following education policy, state budgeting decisions, and the evolving role of youth civic participation, these page appointments serve as small but meaningful indicators of how local students engage with state government.

Sources

Clark County Today: Vancouver middle school student joins Rep. John Ley in Olympia as a House page