According to the American Legion Auxiliary, Girls State is an opportunity for girls across all fifty states to focus on citizenship, leadership, love for God and country. May 31- June 5 marks the 75th anniversary of Girls State. Back in 1947 there were only 117 girls that attended; it has since topped over 400 girls per year. This year it is in Vermillion at the University of South Dakota.

As the new year started, the junior girls put in their applications to see if they would make it. Juniors Sam Brodeen, Katie Gretschmann, Reece Loewe, and Makayla Kopp will be packing their bags for Vermillion in four months. Brodeen, one of the attendees, had a few words to say about Girls State. “I look forward to the experience. I think it is a good opportunity to learn about service, politics, and leadership. I’m also excited to meet new people.”

Seniors Ali Sees, Megan Soukup, and Kristen Namminga were the three participants to make it last year but, due to COVID, they were not able to go to Vermillion.