Benton Coblentz, a sophomore at Aviation High School in Des Moines, participated in the Senate Page Program during the third week of the 2012 Legislative session. Coblentz was sponsored by Sen. Joe Fain of Auburn.

The Senate Page Program is an educational opportunity for Washington students to get firsthand experience working in the Legislature. Pages perform a variety of tasks during their week-long stay in Olympia, including running errands, delivering mail, and staffing the Senate Chamber. Pages also attend classes where they learn about parliamentary procedure and legislative functions. Coblentz was one of 17 students chosen to participate last week.

“I am proud of what Benton accomplished and hope that the experience provides him with better insight into the lawmaking process,” said Fain. “I am confident that he has a bright academic and professional future and am certain that he will look back on the page program as a beneficial opportunity.”

Fain, a graduate of the Highline School District, also volunteers as a mentor with Aviation High School. “AHS is nationally recognized as a model for innovation in public schools. Benton is a star example of the quality of student that Aviation is producing.”

“You just have to be interested in what the page program is,” said Coblentz. “What it is, is a really cool experience.”

Coblentz is interested in politics, history and reading. He is on the speech and debate team at his high school, and participates in the YMCA’s Youth and Government program. After high school he hopes to stay involved in the legislative process, either as an elected official or in a support role.

Coblentz is the son of Paul and Cathy Coblentz of Tukwila.

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

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