Girls State

Girl's State was a great experience, although I must admit that I didn't even know it existed until I was called to the office and was informed that I was one of two junior girls who would be representing Joplin High School at the event. Girl's State is like a mock state government. One can run for offices, you have to pay taxes (which goes to scholarships at the end of the event), you can be involved in the judicial system (which I did), or be a part of the senate or house and create bills. It is very busy and I definitely lost sleep, but it gave me an inside view into politics and overall reinforced my belief that politics is not about one's views, but rather who gives the best speech, wears the coolest clothes, and who is most popular. I suppose I am hypocritical because I really took advantage of the "political process" and made sure to get my name out and befriend every voter. However, I sure hope that if I ever do go into politics that I will be elected over what I believe than over how many compliments I give the public.

Here's some pictures :)

Girl's State was divided into 7 counties and 21 cities. Here are some members of Crowder City, Dewitt County.

This is me and my roomate Chrystal after our first day at girls state. The first day went by really fast and was super confusing, we were glad when it was over.

Me and my city at flag raising. Girl's State took appreciation for our country very seriously. Every morning and evening we would meet at the flag and show respect as the flag was being raised or lowered. It was great to see everyone being reverent while it occurred and as we said the pledge.

Alicia was shyer than most girls that attended, she was homesick after a couple days of being there, so I made sure to talk to her and let her know that our city wanted her to be there and we actually became good friends.

Miss Megan (one of my counselors)

me and Stephanie

Me being a dork :)

my room

cont.

My city loved having there futures told, we did it whenever we had freetime.

Our banner. (We were the crowder trains, so we drew boxcars, had two umbrellas spinning beneath them (like wheels), our mayor was the conductor, and the rest of us made up the train.

random pic

I ran for three positions: city municipal judge, county circuit judge, and supreme court judge. And I'm happy to say I was elected to all three :)

our voting box

We're wearing our lovely girl's state shirts.

Molly, me and our highway patrol.

city pictures were taken from a scaffolding. 800 girls in one gym... it was chaotic.

Me and Paige in court

After one hour of no cases to try we got bored and frustrated...

So we made some pictures with our bracelets.

The next day in court was better. My city took our superintendent to court for an "assination attempt on our counselor" (she squirted her with a water gun). It was very entertaining. This picture however is of a marriage ceremony... it was weird.

We signed everyone's shirts.

The superintendent was amazing! She was funny, totally comfortable with herself, and befriended everyone. She is definitely one of my role models.

more fortune telling

Bailey was so funny! She is crazy, outgoing, and Mormon! We had a lot of fun discussing the church with the other girls there and impersonating our favorite comic... Brian Regan.

Me and Jasmine represented Crowder city well by taking 2 of the 7 supreme court judge seats :)

Black dress night.

I loved this ice cream machine!!!!

Supreme court judge pictures :)

Me acting powerful :)

I didn't get any pictures of my favorite night unfortunately. After five days without boys, the sponsors of girls state paid for a boys occopella group to come sing for us. I have never heard girls scream so loud in my life! :) The "True Men" from Truman university were really good and I ended up getting one of their Cd's the next day :)