Fourteen Emery County girls were among 309 young women who attended Utah Girls State held at Weber State the first week of June. This select group of girls studied City, County and State government processes. Utah Girls State citizens set up their own City, County and State governments and administered them according to the laws of Utah.
The girls also participated in legislative sessions, campaigns, party rallies, debates and voting. They also developed a deeper knowledge of parliamentary procedure.
In addition to their political activities, the girls heard from several motivational speakers as well as local and State government officials including Governor Herbert and Representative Rob Bishop.
Throughout the week, every girl gained a great sense of patriotism. The week culminated on Friday evening, with the Inauguration of the newly elected State officials and Saturday morning with the graduation of all citizens.
Our local young women were chosen to attend Utah Girls State on the basis of citizenship, leadership, and scholarship. Girls State is sponsored by the Department of Utah American Legion Auxiliary and is staffed by Auxiliary members and former Utah Girls State citizens who volunteer their time. Across the nation, more than 20,000 young women attend Girls State each summer. Past participants include: Jane Pauley, NBC news broadcast journalist; Ann Richards, former Governor of Texas; Lynne Cheney, wife of former U.S. Vice President Richard Cheney; and Brigadier General Michelle Johnson, now serving at the Pentagon, who was the first woman to serve as Cadet Wing Commander at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Thanks to our local American Legion Auxiliaries for giving these girls this opportunity.
Those attending included: Kayla Allen, Ashton Bell, Aspen Bloomer, Madelyn Carter, Valerie Chynoweth, Camryn Cox, Katelyn Gilson, Hailey Johnson, Ellie Kay, Mikiah MacDonald, Emily Olsen, Bailey Rasmussen, Chandee Robertson and Krista Wright.
Emery County participants at Girl’s State
"Front row: Hailey Johnson, Aspen Bloomer; Middle row: Katelyn Gilson, Kayla Allen, Emily Olsen, Madelyn Carter, Valerie Chynoweth Back row: Krista Wright, Bailey Rasmussen, Ellie Kay, Mikiah MacDonald, Ashton Bell, Chandee Robertson and Camryn Cox."