WHS Students Get Capitol Crash Course in OK Page Program

WATONGA – Two Watonga High School students learned the ins and outs of the Oklahoma Legislature last week as part of an exclusive program.

Senior Kaylee Roberts and junior Mason Estep served as pages for Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, learning about his role at the capitol and about the lawmaking process in Oklahoma. The two Watonga girls were joined by Ave Bordner of Taloga as the three pages from Dobrinski’s House District 59.

Estep said she and Roberts learned about the opportunity in an email from the school counselor, and that she convinced Roberts to apply together. Only 200 students were chosen from approximately 7,000 applicants, she said.

“I really didn’t know what to expect,” Estep told the Watonga Republican. “I had never done anything like that, and I’m not really involved in the government and politics. But I got there and I learned so much. It was way more interesting than I realized it would be.”

“I learned quite a bit,” Roberts agreed.

Among the activities Estep and Roberts got to participate in was the “Pageville Mock Legislature,” a simulation of the legislative process where the students elected their own leaders and argued to pass various pieces of legislation.

“Kaylee and I both got elected to be authors of a bill,” Estep said, which concerned juvenile sentencing.

The girls said they also got to work closely with Dobrinski, who asked for their opinion about Oklahoma issues and even passed on their words in some committee meetings.

“He seemed really interested to hear what we had to say,” Estep said.

“There were actually a couple scenarios where Dobrinski was getting told (about) these bills, or pitching his idea on things, and he would actually ask us for our opinions,” Roberts said. “We would give it to him, and he would use that information … to help stand to his argument.”

Roberts said the page experience will be invaluable for her as she moves on to college, especially since she plans to study Political Science at Centenary College of Louisiana. Estep said the program has made her a more informed citizen overall.

“I got to learn different views of both Democrats and Republicans, and why they feel the way they do about certain bills … and just more about the process of how our government works,” Estep said. “I think, when I turn 18 and I’m able to vote, I’ll be able to understand those bills better and really know what I’m voting for.”

Dobrinski told the Watonga Republican on Tuesday that Roberts and Estep did an excellent job for him, and that he enjoyed working with them.

The page program is open to Oklahoma juniors and seniors each legislative session, which is held once a year between February and May. To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit OKHouse.gov/Pages/Index. aspx.

Follow the Watonga Republican for the latest news and updates on the ongoing Oklahoma legislative session.