Riley Petersen, Emma Nelson, Jenna Peterson, and Paige Hufnagel were chosen as delegates to the week-long program held at Michigan State University
from Anna Petersen
Four St. Johns High School students recently attended the 2012 Michigan Girls State Citizen Training Program sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. Paige Hufnagel, Emma Nelson, Riley Petersen and Jenna Peterson were all chosen as delegates to participate in the week long program held at Michigan State University.
The Girls State program provides young women of high school age the opportunity to come together to study state, county and local government. It teaches them to understand that they are an integral part of the political process and helps them realize they have a responsibility to make tomorrow a better time, the world a better place, and that the job is up to them regardless of religious or political beliefs. It gives them the opportunity to live under their own government, which is executed entirely by them, to deal with problems as they arise and to see the political process work effectively.
The girls worked tirelessly from early morning until late at night all under very warm conditions. While sometimes it was quite challenging to agree on what was best for each city or county, the girls still found time to develop life long friendships with girls from all over the state.
Highlights of the program were visiting the capitol, a toga party, and an awards ceremony where Paige Hufnagel was the recipient of the Edna Alber Citizenship Award.
Although the days were long, the girls enjoyed all aspects of the program and encourage all high school juniors interested in law or government to apply to attend the 2013 Michigan Girls State. If you would like more information you can visit the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Michigan at www.michalaux.org.