Jessica Gudgell in the Washington State Senate, serving as a page to Senator Kevin Ranker
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.
Jessica was one of many students ages 14 to 16 who took part in the program during the 9th 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, Jessica 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,” said Jessica. “This was an educational opportunity; it is nice that the state provides this opportunity.”
Jessica 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. Jessica 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 https://www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/Administration/PageProgram/.
Congratulations Jessica, you have just taken part in an extraordinary opportunity that should serve you well in the future. When I was your same age, I served as an Executive Page with the Federal Reserve Bank in New York and that experience opened many doors for me when I began my working career. I’m happy for you and I wish you continued success.