Six Maryville girls will learn about state government while represent Nodaway County during Missouri Girls State June 22-28, at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.
The Girls State program provides young women who have just finished their junior year in high school the opportunity to come together to study city, county and state government. It enforces the understanding that every person is an integral part of the political process and has a responsibility to make tomorrow a better time –– the world a better place regardless of religious or political beliefs. It provides an opportunity to form a local government structure to deal with problems and situations as they arise and to see the political process work effectively.
The Maryville High School girls attending this year's session of Girls State –– sponsored by the James Edward Gray American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 100 –– are:
• Ruth Ann Boettner, the daughter of Richard and Bing Boettner. She is active in band, choir, international club, history club, FTA, NFL, tennis, drama club and tutoring for elementary students. She is third in her class and has a 4.1 grade point average. She is active in church and volunteer work. Her interests are child psychology, music and business administration.
"Recently I have been reading a lot about government and becoming more and more interested," Ruth Ann said. "In the future I plan to start my own counseling psychology practice and I feel Girls State will help me a lot. I am happy that I will get the chance to experience this,"
• Emily Pierson, the daughter of Wayne and Margaret Pierson. She is active in national forensics league, jazz band, marching and concert band, drum line and tennis. She is a member of St. Gregory Catholic Church and youth group, Pubic Achievement Democracy Council, youth band and music lessons. She wants to be an instrumental music education major. She enjoys playing piano and hanging out with friends.
"I would like to attend Missouri Girls State because I find government interesting," Emily said. "I would also like to attend because it's essential that teachers have leadership qualities and experience, so if I am to be a teacher, it is important to me that I am qualified for the job. I am interested in politics. I look forward to following the candidates campaigns and learning about their political views to vote in future elections."
• Stephanie Poppa, the daughter of Eugene and Gail Poppa. She is involved in International club, history club, marching and concert bands and academic team. She has been on both the Gold and Silver Honor Rolls and earned letters in band and academic team. She is also a volunteer at the Nodaway Humane Society. In her leisure, she enjoys reading, spending time on the computer, watching TV, crafting, puzzles and spending time with friends.
"I feel Girls State is an amazing opportunity to learn something new and completely different from what I am used to in my daily life," Stephanie said. "It would also give me the opportunity to further my knowledge of government and politics, which in today's world could always be improved. I feel this is a once in a lifetime event I will remember for the rest of my life."
• Megan Thacker, the daughter of Todd and Janie Thacker. She has served as student council secretary, FFA reporter and secretary, active in varsity soccer, JV basketball and FBLA. She is a Missouri Agribusiness Academy member and received the Spoofhound Spirit Award. She is a member of the First Christian Church youth group, Community Betterment Forum and the Platte River Saddle Club. She enjoys horseback riding, reading and weightlifting and would like to pursue a career in Agriculture education and business.
"Many of my friends and family have attended Missouri Girls State," Megan said. "From what they have told me, I have become even more excited to have the chance to attend. I am always trying to find new opportunities to better myself, learn new things and meet new people. I believe Missouri Girls State would heighten my knowledge about the ways of politics and business."
• Genesse Stoll, the daughter of Randy and Lori Stoll. She is a member of FBLA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, student council, Leo Club, junior class vice-president, varsity basketball team and is track manager. She is a Math Olympiad member, Honor Night attendant, Rotary Club Youth Leadership Academy and received Gold Honor Roll awards. She is a member of the Catholic youth group and enjoys baby sitting, swim team and spending time with friends and family.
"I am very much interested in a career in law," Genesse said. "I would like the opportunity to gain information about our system of government and listen to knowledgeable speakers promoting this topic. I would like to be a delegate so I could meet new people and learn more about leadership skills."
• Megan Walker, the daughter of Ronnie and Brenda Walker. She is involved in softball, basketball, track, choir, band, flag corps, FCCLA, FBLA, National Honor Society and service learning. She has helped with her brother's baseball and basketball teams and is currently working as a baby sitter. She is interested in a career in either law or medicine. She enjoys playing softball and other sports and reading in her spare time.
"I would like to attend Girls State because I believe it would be a great opportunity to learn many things and gain valuable life experience," Megan said. "Girls State is a program that helps to shape young women into active citizens. Soon I will be able to vote and I believe that Girls State could help me to gain knowledge about my responsibilities as a voting citizen."
Missouri Girls State was first established in 1940 as one of 11 Girls State programs in the United States. The first session was at William Woods University in Fulton with 213 citizens, divided into three counties and six cities. The program was moved to Central Missouri State in Warrensburg in 1998.
Currently, Missouri Girls State has 750 citizens divided into seven counties, 21 cities. Each year the counties and cities are named after important people to the American Legion Auxiliary.
Maryville, Mo. —
