It is an exceptional year for Big Sandy to be sending five girls to Girls State this year. In 2020 Madison Terry and Katherine Bold were selected to go due to COVID-19 Girls State was canceled. Montana Girls State is allowing the girls that missed the opportunity last year to advance this year. In addition, three girls from this year's Junior class will be attending the week-long event.

Amiya Griffith, Savannah Jerrel, and Tavie Wortman have been selected to participate in the American Legion Auxilary Girls State in Helena in June.

The Girls State program epitomizes the ALA's mission to honor those who have brought us our freedom through our enduring commitment to develop young women as future leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism.

Each summer, approximately; 16,00 young women participate in a week-long ALA Girls State program across the nation. Every American Legion Auxiliary program operates with the same patriotism values through a non-partisan curriculum where girls assume the roles of government leaders campaigning in mock parties to become mayors, county, and state officials within their girl's state.

Big Sandy's first Montana Girls state delegate to attend was Irene Kiaser in 1948. The cost was $25 per delegate. The fee is now $325 per girl. The American Legion Auxiliary has sponsored two delegates. Our very willing Big Sandy Rotary is sponsoring three girls. It has been a long-standing tradition that the Auxiliary unit gives them each $50 in spending money for the week. The learning experience, memories & friendships last a lifetime.

A Fifty-Year reunion of the Girls State attendees from Bog Sady was held in 1997.

Madison said, "I'm going to Girls state because I want to be informed with other people's ideas about government and politics. I have an open mind! I'm interested in government and politics because I love history and how it often repeats itself. I like being informed and what's going on in today's world. I'm looking forward to meeting new people and hearing what other people have to say about their views about governance and politics."

Katherine Bold said, "I want to go to Girls State to develop a better understanding of the functions of Montana's government. I am looking forward the most to meeting new people and creating new experiences and leadership skills that I will be able to use throughout my life. I am also looking forward to touring the State Capital and possibly meeting government officials. Though I would not choose politics as a profession at this time, I am interested in government and politics because of how the voices of its citizens are heard and used to influence the future."

Tavie Wortman said, "I find it is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about and be active in government. I am very excited to participate in political situations (running for office and other

parts of the campaign process). I am interested in government and politics. Especially as a high school student, I think it is very important to learn how our government works and form my political stance. I think Girls' State will help that develop."

Amiya Griffith said, "I want to go to Girls State because it will help me better understand politics and government, which I find especially important in the current political climate. I am most looking forward to meeting others and learning from each other as we make bonds over the course of Girls State. I am interested in government and politics because they are the foundation of my rights as a human being. "

Savannah Jerrel was not available to talk to, but I'll get her opinion of the event after she returns.

Mrs. Christine Brumwell has facilitated the applications for the Junior girls each year. Thank you for your years of support.