Political aspirations

A Camas High School junior who aspires to one day run for public office recently spent time as a page in the state senate.

Jonathan Grall, 16, worked as a page for 18th District Sen. Ann Rivers, Jan. 27 through 31, by participating in the Senate Page Program. He was one of 18 students ages 14 to 16 who took part in the program during the third week of the 2014 legislative session.

Pages deliver mail, run errands, present the flag and learn parliamentary procedure. Students also work to draft a bill and engage in a mock session.

“I really like getting firsthand experience with state government,” said Grall, the son of Charles and Kelly Grall. “I might be interested in running for state senator someday, so this was a great opportunity to learn what government work is like.”

Grall is a member of Youth Philanthropy of Clark County and Future Business Leaders of America, and also volunteers for the Boys and Girls Club. After high school, Grall plans to attend a Pacific Northwest college, where he would like to take part in the Senate internship program.

Rivers sponsored Grall for the page program.

“I had met Jonathan prior to his coming to work for the legislature,” said Rivers, R-La Center. “I knew his interest in politics and state government would make him a great fit for this position.”