Lakeland senior shares update from Boise

Lakeland High School senior Amanda Olson is keeping plenty busy as an Idaho Senate page.

She has been assigned to the Commerce and Human Resources Committee, assisting with the setup and running of Tuesday and Thursday meetings each week.

"Each day we go on the Senate floor and are able to watch the senators at work," Olson shared with The Press in a Feb. 2 update. "It’s a very surreal experience as someone who has been visiting state capitols all over the country since I was very young. I was also able to meet with my senator from North Idaho, Doug Okuniewicz."

Every Friday for the America 250 in Idaho program, a new Revolutionary Spuddy Buddy mascot is introduced, with potato-themed names such as Alexander Hamiltater, Spudjamon Franklin or Abby Tot Adams. Idaho State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth crafted each plush Spuddy Buddy.

"Throughout the program, we will get to meet with each state department and the officials," Olson said.

Ellsworth and State Controller Brandon Woolf are among Gem State leaders the pages have met.

"We were able to tour their offices and hear about each of their experiences and duties," Olson said. "Throughout the upcoming weeks, we will meet with the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, superintendent of public instruction and secretary of state."

Another fun page tradition is "Waffle Wednesdays," when all the pages help the assistant sergeant-at-arms make waffles for Senate staff.

The pages recently toured the fifth floor of the Capitol and signed their names on a wall that people have signed for over 100 years.

"We were also able to ring the replica of the Liberty Bell in front of the Capitol before it is taken down for restoration for the 250th anniversary," Olson said.

So far, the experience has been truly incredible and fun, she said.

"The Senate staff are some of the nicest people," she said. "It’s truly a gift to be able to work with such kind and passionate people."

The morning she shared the update, Olson said she and another page casually and unexpectedly walked past Gov. Brad Little.

"He said hello to us like we were just passing each other on the street," Olson said. "Moments like that are what makes this program so unique and exciting. I feel very lucky to live in a state where things like that can occur and where everyone is so welcoming and kind."

Olson and Coeur d'Alene High School senior Shayla Tyler, both 18, are participating in the Idaho State Senate Page Program, which began Jan. 12 with the start of the legislative session. They're spending six weeks in Boise working for senators and senate staff.

"Most pages are from southern Idaho, so it’s really exciting to be able to represent the north in programs like this," Olson said.

    Idaho Senate pages and state leaders gather in front of the Capitol. Lakeland High School senior Amanda Olson is in the front row, fifth from left. Coeur d'Alene High School senior Shayla Tyler is standing in the back row on the left.
  

    Idaho Senate pages take an oath before entering the Idaho Senate Page Program in Boise.