The Wagner American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Greer Unit #11 has selected their representative to attend this year’s Girl’s State. Girl’s State will be held the week of June 3rd – June 8th at University of South Dakota in Vermillion. This is the 77th year for the annual event. Girl’s State is a part of the ALAs summer leadership and citizenship programs. The event is open to junior girls going into their senior year. The goal of this event is to open young women’s minds and eyes to the mechanics of the American government and politics for education and for potential future careers in those fields.

Presley Slaba has been selected as the 2024 Girl’s State representative for Wagner. She is a junior at Wagner Community School. Presley is the daughter of Mieke and Matthew Slaba. She is the granddaughter of Rita Slaba and Cindy and Gary Howey.

When asked why she applied to attend Girl’s State, Presley said that she applied because she wanted to learn more about the government and how it works. She was also encouraged by previous attendees to apply because it was a great experience for them so she figured it would be a great experience for her also. Presley feels very honored and grateful to be chosen by the Wagner Legion Auxiliary for this unique experience. Presley knows the generals about Girl’s State such as where it will be located, that there is a chance to participate in mock activities such as trials, elections and campaigns, and is excited to be a part of the process and participate. Presley feels that her Girl’s State experience will help her made more informed decisions when she votes in the future.

Even though Presley is not currently interested in a career in government, she is intrigued and open to learn more about how the government works and how she can do her part even if she does not go into a political career. If she could hold any government office, Presley would like to be a part of the House of Representatives because of the power they have to vote on laws and pass/deny them while also serving on committees that would benefit her local state residents or the country as a whole. Meeting new people and learning more about the government are the two things that Presley is most looking forward to during her experience at Girl’s State.

For Presley, the qualities that make a good leader are fairness, respect and responsibility; these are all qualities that Presley herself possesses. She feels that the state of the national government could be better than it currently is. One area that Presley would improve in the government if she could would be to make things more equal for everyone and for leaders to be more transparent about what is actually going on with the public.

Presley is very active both in the community and with extra-curricular activities through WCS. In the community, Presley is a server for her church, volunteer coach for swim team, a Totus Tuus volunteer, and she helps with Wagner swim team fundraisers. At WCS, she is involved in cross-country, oral interpretation, is a girls’ basketball statistician, student council, school play, National Honor Society member and next year’s chapter President, track and swim team. When Presley is not busy with all of her activities, she enjoys swimming, reading playing board games and playing in the snow.

Congratulations Presley on being selected for Girl’s State. We know that you will be a great representative for Wagner and will get the most out of your experience.