Granddaughter of 'Tucna couple serves as page

OLYMPIA -The granddaughter of a Washtucna couple recently served as a page for Sen. Mark Schoesler.

Melanie Spivey, 16, served as a page from Feb. 6-10.

A sophomore at Curtis Senior High School in Tacoma, she is the granddaughter of Richard and Janette Hollenback of Washtucna and the daughter of Darrell and Lori Spivey of Tacoma.

"My mom and uncle were pages," Spivey said. "So, I thought it would be a good experience to learn more about the government."

During her time at the Capitol, Spivey worked on a mock bill that would provide more funding to mental health resources in public schools.

Her proposal would enable schools to get additional resources such as counselors or other support staff in schools.

"I really enjoyed being on Senate floor with all of the senators there," Spivey said. "It was a lot different than I expected. Everyone was so relaxed, they even joked around a little bit."

"It was a pleasure sponsoring Melanie as my page," Schoesler said. "She is a very bright young lady with a great future ahead of her."

In her free time, Spivey plays softball and enjoys spending time on her grandparents' wheat farm in Washtucna. She hopes to attend Liberty University to study medicine and play on its softball team.

Sen. Schoesler represents the 9th Legislative District, which includes eastern Adams and Franklin Counties, among other counties.