CHEYENNE – The American Legion Women’s Auxiliary hosted the 80th annual Wyoming Girls State program June 6-12 in Cheyenne. First held in Wyoming in 1941, Girls State is an annual program for Wyoming girls who have just completed their junior year in high school. The program was developed from the idea that youth should be offered a better perspective of the practical operation of government and the individual is responsible for the character and success of government. Development of character, self-confidence, public speaking, critical thinking and patriotism are emphasized during the week. The week engages students in mock court and legislative sessions, political debate and time spent with local and national political leaders. Girls run for political office and are involved in running and organizing elections. Participation in Boys and Girls state is strongly recommended for all applicants to national service academies.

This session was attended by 80 girls from large and small communities across the state and hosted at Laramie County Community College. Following a week of making new friends, meeting with state and local leaders and touring the capital to meet with elected office holders, an award banquet was held June 11. U.S. Sen. John Barraso was keynote speaker and encouraged civic engagement to all the attendees. Wyoming Supreme Court Justice Kari Gray was on hand to swear in all election winners.

Faith Anderson of Devil’s Tower was elected to the office of governor and will attend Girls Nation in Washington, DC during the last week of July. Eve Peasley of Wheatland was voted as the outstanding Girl’s State delegate by staff and attendees. This award is given to the delegate felt by staff to exemplify the traits of the Girl’s State program.

All attendees are eligible for three units of free college credit from LCCC. The program is free of charge, sponsored by local and state American Legion auxiliary and held annually in early June. All public, private and homeschooled students are eligible to attend if they are residents of Wyoming and have completed their junior year of high school. College scholarships may be available for suitable candidates. Recent scholarship winners from Platte County include Elisa Smith, Brooke May, Elyse Rutherford and Savannah Ervin. Applications are typically accepted in the spring of the student’s junior year and can be sent to your local American Legion auxiliary for both Boys and Girls state.