Naomi Bartel, a 10th-grader from Island Christian Academy, took time away from her studies last week to participate in the Senate Page Program at the Washington State Legislature.

Bartel was one of 15 students ages 14 to 16 who took part in the program during the fourth week of the 2012 Legislative Session. Pages deliver mail, run errands, present the flag and learn parliamentary procedures first hand. Students also try their hand at drafting a bill and engage in a mock legislative session. Bartel wrote a mock bill to abolish the death penalty.

Bartel was sponsored by Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen of the 10th Legislative District.

“The page program offers a rare, first-hand opportunity to learn about state government,” said Haugen. “I am glad Naomi was able to take advantage of it.”

Bartel was glad she did, too.

“I really enjoyed the page program,” said Bartel.

“My favorite part of the program was being able to participate in the mock committee hearing; it helped me understand that the public’s voice matters. It was also fun to be able to debate different ideas,” she said.

Bartel is the daughter of Ronna and Merlin Bartel of Langley and is currently the school president of Island Christian Academy. In her spare time, she enjoys sewing clothes. Bartel hopes to one day become a registered nurse.

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