Resources & Environment committee introduces Senate page Sakaya Bowman of Preston High School

The Resources & Environment committee opened a brief meeting to introduce Sakaya Bowman, a Senate page and student body president at Preston High School in Preston, Idaho. Bowman told the committee she is serving a six-week page term and is “incredibly grateful for this opportunity.”

Bowman said the page program has deepened her interest in government and policy. “I really just fell in love with, like, policy and understanding how just small things affect large group of people,” she told the committee, and said she hopes the experience will help her decide whether to study political science after high school. "I really want to create connections with people that will help my future," Bowman added.

Committee members asked Bowman about her activities and background. Senator Cook asked what Bowman does for fun; Bowman said she enjoys hiking, traveling with her mother and being active. Senator Guthrie asked whether the “ghost of Napoleon Dynamite” still roams Preston High School halls; Bowman responded that the legend is “not true” and called it “debrief. Debunk.” Guthrie also quipped, “I hope there isn't a coup attempt while you're gone,” when learning Bowman shares student-government duties with a co-president after a tied election.

Bowman described the co-presidency as arising from an exact tie in the school election, and said serving in student government has required substantial time commitments. She estimated that running student-body activities occupies much of her attention and about two hours per day on committee work outside classes.

Chair concluding remarks said the meeting would be short and noted that the committee will begin work on Monday with appointments, then “dive deep into the rules.” The committee adjourned after the introduction.