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The Avon American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Arthur Wiseman Unit #150 has named their 2025 Girls State representatives. The Auxiliary will be sponsoring three representatives: Katherine Swier, Abby Gretschmann, and Hope Kemnitz. The Springfield Auxiliary will be sponsoring Alexis Vanderlei. The five-day event is May 25-29 at the University of South Dakota campus in Vermillion. This is the 78th year for the annual Girls State event. Girls State is a part of the ALA’s summer leadership and citizenship programs. The goal of Girls State is to expose young (juniors going to be seniors) women to the mechanics of the American government and politics for educational purposes as well as potential future careers in those fields.

Congratulations,Alexis,Hope,Katherine,andAbbyonbeingselectedforGirls State. We are excited to see what you learn from your experiences and know that you will represent Avon well.

Abby Gretschmann

Abby Gret schmann is the daughter of Connie and Gene Gret schmann. Abby applied for Girls State because she wanted a chance to expand her knowledge which in turn will help her be a better citizen. Abby is going into this experience with an open mind. She currently does not have any plans to have a career in journalism or government, but after Girls State there is always a possibility. She is looking forward to meeting new people, learning about the government, and being involved. To be a good leader, Abby thinks one must possess charisma, knowledge, integrity, and sound decision making. Abby feels that she is a good leader as she is an active listener, can make hard decisions, and has no problem voicing her ideas and opinions.

Abby feels that the current government has a good foundation, but could be improved in different areas. One aspect that Abby would change to improve the governmentwouldbethatelectedofficials need to work for the good of the country andnotforthemselves.WhenAbbyfound out she had been selected for Girls State she was excited about the opportunity.

Katherine Swier

Katherine Swier is the daughter of ScottandTheresa Swier. Katherine applied to be a Girls State delegate because she wanted to have a better understanding of how the government works in order to be able to better perform her civic duties as an Americancitizen.EventhoughKatherine doesnotseeherself workinginafull-time government job, she feels that she may enjoywritingaboutgovernmentalissues in order to help keep the public better informed. Katherine could see herself in the future being a state legislator in order to change laws and policies that directly impact her local communities. What Katherine is most looking forward to when attending Girls State is meeting new people and extending her circle of friends. Qualities that she feels make a goodleaderarehonesty,trustworthiness, goodcommunication,beingopenminded, and demonstrating a balance between being confident and the ability to admit when in the wrong. Katherine feels that sheexhibitsallof thesequalities,making her a good leader.

Whenaskedhowshefeltaboutthecurrent state of the government, Katherine said that there is always room for growth and improvement. Also, the leaders need to be open to system changes in order to make progress. Katherine does wish that thegovernmentwouldbemoretransparent about current issues and prioritize informing citizens properly so that they are well-informed. Katherine feels very honored to be chosen for Girls State.

Hope Kemnitz

Hope is the daughter of Danae and Travis Kemnitz. Hope was interested in attending Girls State to get a better understanding of how the government works and to meet new people. As Hope feels she is not well informed about the government, she wants to better understand and know how it works as she sees this as her civic responsibility. If she could hold any government office, Hope would want to work for the Game, Fish and Parks office as she enjoys hunting and fishing, because it is important to her to help ensure that people are enjoying nature in a sustainable way. What Hope is most excited about is meeting new people and making new friends.SkillsthatHopefeelsmakeagood leaderincludeaccountability,confidence, respect, and problem solving. She feels that she is good leader as she can make decisions quickly and is a compassionate person.

The current state of the government has Hope scared and feeling uncertain at times; she does feel that with the transitioning of the new administration people need to be patient and allow them the growing pains of sorting things out. If Hope could change or improve the government, she would want to improve Veterans’ benefits. They have done so much for the country and need to be paid back in terms of care and benefits.

Alexis Vanderlei

Daughter of Amy and Craig Vanderlei,Alexis was interested in attending Girls State because she wanted to learn more about democracy and how the government works. Even thoughAlexishasotherideasaboutwhat her future career may look like (a history teacher), she is interested in learning. If she could hold any government office, Alexis would want to be either the governor or a representative in order to be able to represent her constituents. What Alexis is most looking forward to when attending Girls State is making new friends from around the state. Skills that Alexis feels a good leader would possess are the ability to want to be informed and being open minded. Alexis feels she is a good leader and possesses the qualities of open-mindedness, the willingness to work, and the ability to encourage those around her.

When it comes to the current state of the government, Alexis feels that it is timetogetnewmemberswithfreshideas. Alexis felt honored when she learned that she has been chosen to be a Girls State delegate.