Ten local students are attending the 81st annual Sophomore Pilgrimage sponsored by the General Federation of Women's Clubs of Missouri on Tuesday in Jefferson City.
The students will observe the legislature in session; tour the Capitol, Governor's Mansion and Supreme Court building; and meet state legislators. They will also attend a luncheon at First United Methodist Church.
A sophomore from each high school is nominated by either the guidance counselor, social studies faculty or the student body, and selection is based on citizenship, scholarship and leadership.
Club coordinator for the event is Kathy Bish; and committee leaders are Joan Solomon, Donna Evert, Bernice Lilley, Jan Sonnenberg, Anne Vogel, Ginny Persinger and Ann Maxwell.
Area students attending the pilgrimage are the following:
Kimberly Evans, daughter of Charles and Darlene Evans, Holts Summit, is a student at New Bloomfield High School, where she serves as vice president of her class; is in Scholars Bowl and is on the Speech and Debate team. Her sponsor is Dianas Club.
Katie Fechtel, daughter of Danny and Peggy Fechtel, Westphalia, is a student at Fatima High School, where she is on the cross country and track teams and has received all-district honors and all-conference honors. She is Academic All-State and is in Book Club, Letterman's Club and Spanish Club. Her sponsor in Capital City Woman's Club.
Austin Garrison, son of Ward and Robin Garrison, Russellville, is a student at Russellville High School, where he is on the honor roll, was Student of the Month and is in Beta Club. He is the manager of the basketball team and plays golf. He volunteers with the area Lions Club. His sponsor is Dianas Club.
Samantha Gunn is the daughter of Cheri Gunn and the late Steven Gunn, and her guardians are Jerrold and Ann Taylor, Fulton. She is a student at Calvary Lutheran High School, where she is in Key Club, Future Teachers of America, SADD and FFA. She plays basketball and runs track. Her sponsor is Capital City Woman's Club.
Alyssa Laughlin, daughter of Mark Laughlin and Stephanie Stambaugh, Mokane, is a student at South Callaway R-2 High School, where she is on Student Council; is a representative for French Club; is a member of FCCLA, Athletic Association, National Honor Society, the ProStart Culinary Team and Math Relays; and plays softball. She attended the Leadership in Practice Camp. Her sponsor is Capital City Woman's Club.
Cecilia Mehan, daughter of Dan and Ellen Mehan, Jefferson City, is a student at Helias Catholic High School, where she is captain of Mock Trial and president of La Society Honoraire de Francais Club; is a member of Z-Club, Young Republicans Club and Journalism Club; and participates in Reading Buddies. Her sponsor is Capital City Woman's Club.
Joseph Mendez, son of Ricky and Heidi Mendez, Jefferson City, is a student at Jefferson City High School, where he plays tennis, is on Student Council and is in Future Business Leaders of America. His sponsor is Dianas Club.
Harley Nale, daughter of Gary Voss and Sheila Nale, Linn, is a student at Osage County R-2 High School, where she is vice president of her class; is on Student Council; is on the cross track team and plays basketball. She is a member of Random Acts of Kindness Club, TREND, SADD, FFA and the National Honor Society. Her sponsor is Dianas Club.
Mikayla Payne, daughter of Doug and Julie Payne, Henley, is a student at Eugene High School, where she is in National Honor Society and is on the track team. Her sponsor is Capital City Woman's Club.
Kerstin Peterson, daughter of Doug and Ulrike Peterson, Jefferson City, is a student at Blair Oaks High School, where she is vice president of her class; is in FBLA, FCCLA, Math Club, National Honor Society, Drama Club and TREND; and is on Student Council and the honor roll. Her sponsor is Dianas Club.