The 73rd session of the American Legion Auxiliary's Missouri Girls State is this week on the campus of the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.
Approximately 750 girls from across the state will take part in the event, which is an educational program with the goal of teaching girls constructive attitudes toward the American form of government. The program includes a staff of approximately 90 volunteers from the auxiliary.
Girls in their junior year of high school are eligible to attend. They must write an essay, and from these essays, candidates are chosen for interviews. Girls are then selected to attend based on qualities of leadership, scholastic ability, character, honesty and involvement in school and community activities.
Two girls who attend Girls State are selected to attend Girls Nation in Washington, D.C.
Local girls attending Girls State:
Kelsi Bernskoetter, daughter of James and Laurie Bernskoetter, attends Helias Catholic High School. She is in National Honor Society, on the A honor roll, plays basketball, is in the Ping Pong Club and was Student of the Month.
Her sponsor is Coca-Cola Bottling Company.
Alison Boudreau, daughter of Douglas and Jennifer Boudreau, attends Helias Catholic HIgh School. She is in National Honor Society, on the Speech Team, runs cross country, plays soccer, is in Ping Pong Club and participated in mission trips to Haiti and Memphis, Tenn.
Her sponsor is American Legion Roscoe Enloe Post 5.
Grace Cook, daughter of Michael and Christy Cook, attends Calvary Lutheran High School. She is Key Club secretary, secretary of Students Against Destructive Decisions, is in Future Teachers of America, is captain of the cheerleaders, and plays volleyball, softball and basketball.
Her sponsor is Huber and Associates.
Caroline Hall, daughter of Mike and Kara Hall, attends Jefferson City High School. She is junior class secretary, is Student Council Courts chair, and on the Athletic Leadership Council and Tardy Policy committee.
Her sponsor is Huber and Associates.
Laura Hartman, daughter of Phil and Sara Hartman, attends Helias Catholic High School. She is in National Honor Society, on the honor roll, plays basketball and runs track, and is in Book Club, Club International, SADD and Faith Lutheran Youth Group.
Her sponsor is Ship 5, Navy Club.
Ashley Holland, daughter of Tim and Sheri Holland, attends Blair Oaks High School. She is on the superintendent's list and advanced EOC scores; won awards in Albebra II, personal finance and ASL II; is in FBLA public speaking and FBLA business presentation; is a cheerleader; in dance, choir and horse shows; plays volleyball; is in Drama Club and Green Club; and runs track.
Her sponsor is Huber and Associates.
Monica Katnik, daughter of Paul and Mary Lou Katnik, attends Blair Oaks High School. She is on the superintendent's list, in Leadership in Practice Program, won awards in Algebra, plays volleyball, and is in mixed chorus, FBLA Management Decision Making, St. Charles Dance Competition, TREND, Spanish Club and Green Club.
Her sponsor is Huber and Associates.
Adrienne Luther, daughter of David and Suzanne Luther, attends Jefferson City High School. She is in National Honor Society, on the honor roll, on Speech and Debate Team, Youth Rotary Club, won Rotary International essay contest, won Committee Art Award and was Martin Luther King Jr. essay finalist, was Art Camp Counselor, attended Camp Invention and was junior counselor, is on JCP Foundation, and was an intern reporter for News Tribune.
Her sponsor is American Legion Riders.
Gillian Mwangi, daughter of John Kaburi and Regina Maina, attends Jefferson City High School. She is in National Honor Society, on the honor roll, was Martin Luther King Jr. essay finalist, was MSHSSA State Finalist in Dramatic Interpretation, in Symphonic Orchestra, and won violin solo awards and violin duet awards.
Her sponsor is Jefferson Bank of Missouri.
Johanna Schokker, daughter of J.T. and Joyce Schokker, attends Helias Catholic High School. She is in National Honor Society, Club International, participated in a mission trip to Illinois, is basketball manager and plays soccer.
Her sponsor is Roscoe Enloe Amerian Legion Auxiliary Unit 5.
Rachel Steinbeck, daughter of Greg and Lori Steinbek, attends Helias Catholic High School. She is in National Honor Society, Youth City Council, runs track and field, plays tennis, is in Club International, participated in a mission trip in Joplin, and is a volunteer at Capital Region Medical Center.
Her sponsor is Jefferson City Kiwanis Club.
Taylor Strope, daughter of Gary and Kristy Strope, attends Blair Oaks High School. She is in FBLA, TREND, plays volleyball, is in Green Club and was on prom committee.
Her sponsor is Squadron 5, Sons of the American Legion.
Samantha Suess, daughter of Jeffrey and Sheila Suess, attends Cole R-V High School. She is in National Honor Society, NCYC, Pep Club, FFA, on homecoming committee, in SOAR, is cheerleading captain, and in Youth Group and Faithworks Church Program.
Her sponsor is Huber and Associates.