The 75th session of American Legion Auxiliary Missouri Girls State begins today and runs through Saturday at University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. The program includes a staff of 90 and volunteers from auxiliaries.
Girls in their junior year of high school are eligible and chosen by essay competition and interviews. Selections are based on qualities of leadership, scholastic ability, character, honesty, and involvement in school and community.
Two girls are selected from Girls State to attend Girls Nation in Washington, D.C.
Girls State is sponsored and administered by the American Legion Auxiliary but depends on many civic and business organizations for financial support.
Girls State participants include:
Lydia Allen, daughter of Tom and Lisa Allen, is a student at Jefferson City High School, where she is on Student Council, in Symphonic Orchestra and has participated in youth mission trips. Her sponsor is American Legion Riders.
Lindsey Biesemeyer, daughter of Mark and Tammy Biesemeyer, is a student at Jefferson City High School, where she is on the varsity cross country and track teams, volunteers at Samaritan Center, Salvation Army, Animal Shelter, Agape House and kids' cross country camp. Her sponsor is Squadron 5, Sons of the American Legion.
Kara Bernskoetter, daughter of Greg and Janell Bernskoetter, is a student at Calvary Lutheran High School, where she is in National Honor Society, SADD and Key Club; is president of Future Teachers of America; is a MYAA Youth Ambassador; and is a member of the dance planning committee and is a cadet teacher. She plays volleyball and basketball. Her sponsor is Roscoe Enloe American Legion Post 5.
Mary Conley, daughter of Brian and Peggy Conley, is a student at Helias Catholic High School, where she plays varsity tennis, is in Concert Choir and Show Choir, Tri-M's music honor society, National Honor Society, French National Honor Society, Club International, French Club and Crusaders for Life. She volunteers at St. Mary's Hospital and Bible school camp. Her sponsor is Huber & Associates.
Bryanna Goins, daughter of Lisa Jorge, is a student at Jefferson City High School, where she is on Student Council, is Powder Puff chair and Salute to Service Veterans Assembly co chair. She is in HALO Foundation and volunteers at Southwest Early Learning Center. Her sponsor is Ship 5 Navy Club.
Grace Haarmann, daughter of Don and Kay Haarmann, is a student at Jefferson City High School, where she plays varsity soccer, is in Student Council, Medical Club and National Honor Society. She also received the Scholar Athlete Award. Her sponsor is Coca Cola Bottling Company.
Maggie Jones, daughter of Joe and Val Jones, is a student at Helias Catholic High School, where she received the Virtue of Law Proclamation, the Fr. Helias Award and Mother Theresa Service Award; was Student of the Month; is in National Honor Society, French National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society. She is student ambassador, serves on Helias Mission Service, Artistic Art Camp, Club International and Shalom Club. She's also a tennis and soccer manager. Her sponsor is Huber & Associates.
Margaret Kehoe, daughter of Mike and Claudia Kehoe, is a student at Helias Catholic High School, where she is in National Honor Society, Ping Pong Club, SADD, Crusaders for Life, Club International, Crime Investigation Team and school plays; on the golf and soccer teams; is student ambassador; and volunteers with Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri and Samaritan Center. Her sponsor is Huber & Associates.
Molly Light, daughter of Doug and Sabrina Light, is a student at Helias Catholic High School, where she is in National Honor Society and Math Club; on Student Council and cross country team; is a student ambassador; plays basketball; and was frosh camp staff leader. Her sponsor is Huber & Associates.
Maggie Morris, daughter of Carla Morris, is a student at Cole R-5 Eugene High School, where she is president of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and president of Drama Club; in Spanish Club, Science Club and National Honor Society; plays volleyball; is on Academic Bowl team; is a member of Relay for Life; and is a cheerleader. She volunteers with Salvation Army, is a member of her church youth group and participates in gymnastics. Her sponsor is Optimist Club of Jefferson City.
Natalie Mudd, daughter of Paul and Megan Mudd, is a student at Blair Oaks High School, where she is in National Honor Society, ASL Club, Drama Club, Art Club and FBLA; received the Chemistry CP award, American Sign Language award and Physical Education Academic Award; is wrestling statistician; plays varsity softball; and volunteers with Salvation Army, youth football, Jefferson City CrossFit and church. Her sponsor is Jefferson Bank of Missouri.
Abigail Ordway, daughter of David and Jaime Ordway, is a student at Helias Catholic High School, where she is in National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, District Honor Choir, concert choir, Club International, Yoga Club and SADD; is Crusaders for Life president; is a student ambassador and in spring musicals; volunteers at First United Methodist Church nursery; and is a member of Showdown Acting Academy and Little Theater. Her sponsor is Huber & Associates.
Abigail Vance, daughter of Christine Shepherd, is a student at Cole R-5 Eugene High School, where she is on honor roll, Student Council, yearbook staff, and is class vice president. She is in church youth group and has participated in mission trips. Her sponsors are Dorothy Goodin and Mary Stiefermann.
Katelyn Weith, daughter of Kenny and Kim Weith, is a student at Blair Oaks High School, where she is in National Honor Society, Art Club, Young Life, ASL Club, FBLA, dance team and Drama Club. Her sponsor is Roscoe Enloe American Legion Auxiliary Unit 5.
Alternate selection: Taylor LePage, daughter of Ted and Shelly LePage, is a student at Jefferson City High School, where she is on honor roll, plays varsity soccer and basketball, participated in MSHSAA Athletic Summit Leadership Day, was on state championship soccer team, captain for March of Dimes and received the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce Youth service Award. She volunteers at Special Learning Center.