Rising seniors from across the state celebrated at 79th American Legion Auxiliary Girls State

After one week of engaging in government processes, meeting with public officials, and running for offices, delegates from the 79th session of Wyoming Girls State are headed home well-informed and fired up to make a difference.

Fifty-six rising seniors representing thirty-eight high schools from across the state arrived at Laramie County Community College (LCCC) campus to prepare for this year's Girls State. The girls were assigned to either the Federalist or Nationalist party, House, Senate or Courts based on preference, and one of five cities.

The week kickstarted with delegates gathering in their respective House or Senate chambers and splitting into committees to discuss bills that each delegate submitted prior to arrival. Working with retired and current legislators such as Senator Stephan Pappas, Representative Marti Halverson and Senator Tara Nethercott, the delegates learned the legislative process and proper parliamentary procedure.

All delegates had the opportunity to run for elected offices, which included governor, secretary of state, state treasurer and superintendent of public instruction, as well as various county and party offices. Federalist and Nationalist parties developed party platforms, giving the delegates real-world knowledge on how Wyoming's political system operates.

"Girls State is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for high school juniors to get leadership training, college credit, and scholarships through a nonpartisan mock Wyoming government," says Dawn Kenneda, 2022 Girls State director.

Throughout the week, the girls sang in choir rehearsal, showcased their skills at a talent show and ran city meetings. They developed competitive cheers and Antelope City emerged from stiff competition to be awarded the title of Outstanding City.

Delegates also engaged in a patriotic presentation and checked their knowledge with an Americanism Test, learning about our federal and state Constitutions and flag etiquette. Each city had the opportunity to raise or lower the flag each day throughout the week, learning the proper proceedures for each occasion.

2021 Girls State Governor FaithHoney Anderson returned from her first year of college to help staff the event.

"I graduated a year early from Wyoming Virtual Academy (WYVA) so, age-wise, I'm only a year older than the delegates, and it's incredible to see their maturity. I'm now an intern for the parent company of WYVA, Stride, Inc. and, thanks to my flexible work schedule, was able to take a week off to help with Girls State." Anderson said.

"There's a handful of times where something really successful happens and you get to say 'I played a part in that.' Girls State is one of those opportunities and I think it's important to recognize the influence you can have."

Anderson's involvement in Girls State opened the door for her to continue leadership and education about our government through various clubs in college. Laramie resident Sophia Gomelsky was elected 2022 Governor and will attend the 2023 Girls State session to assist with delegates.

The delegation at this year's Girls State was the first to earn the title of Outstanding Delegation since 1992. Dawn Kenneda remarked, "This year's delegation could be defined by their unity and kindness towards each other, they were truly remarkable and I miss them already."

​Wyoming Girls state is a weeklong learning experience for girls who have completed their junior year of high school. It takes place every summer at LCCC in Cheyenne with the purpose of providing citizenship training and affording girls the opportunity to live together as self-governing citizens.

Through this experience they are informed about the duties, privileges, rights, and responsibilities of American citizenship to better understand and participate in the functioning of their government. Organized by the American Legion Auxiliary, Girls State is an opportunity for girls to grasp the meaning of some responsibilities they will assume once becoming adults.

They have the opportunity to form essential connections with girls from across the state, be selected as scholarship recipients and earn college credit. To learn more about this life-changing event, contact your local unit. More information at http://www.wylegionaux.org/ or by emailing [email protected].