Jessica Gudgell, a 10th grade student attending Orcas Island High School, took time away from her studies to spend the week participating in the Senate Page Program at the Washington State Legislature. She was sponsored by Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-San Juan Island.

Gudgell was one of many students ages 14 to 16 who took part in the program during the ninth week of the 2011 legislative session. Pages deliver mail, run errands, present the flag and learn parliamentary procedure firsthand. Students also try their hand at drafting a bill and engage in a mock session. During the mock session, Gudgell helped write a bill to encourage recycling of plastic.

“The page program offers a rare, firsthand opportunity to learn about state government,” Ranker said.  “I’m glad Jessica was able to take advantage of it.”

“It’s great to understand governmental operations,” Gudgell said. “This was an educational opportunity; it is nice that the state provides this opportunity.”

Gudgell plans on attending the University of Washington and studying Health Administration or Nursing following High School. Her interests and school activities are soccer, golf, music, Orcas Island Community church, community service, teen tutoring, and babysitting. She is the daughter of Wally and Susan Gudgell of Eastsound.

Junior high/middle school and high school students who are interested in the Senate Page Program are encouraged to visit http://www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/Administration/PageProgram/.