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Draper Journal

Educating Youth About Civic Responsibility

May 15, 2015 02:54PM ● By Ty Gorton
By Lewi Lewis

For six days this June, Weber State University will host hundreds of girls selected for The Girls State program, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, to educate youth about civic responsibilities and the ins and outs of government processes.

The selected students have participated in mock trials, elections, music, sports and seminars with public officials; each girl ran for offices on a city, county and state level, devoting their time to learning the government process. 

Girls State delegates selected two senators to represent them later this year at Girls State Nation, held in Washington, D.C.

The 11 girls selected comprised a collective from Alta, American Fork, Hillcrest and Jordan High Schools; they were chosen by the Sandy American Legion Auxiliary, Post 77.

The representatives for each school is as follows:

Sara Senior, Mallory Christensen, 
Alta High

Lyndee Ledesma, Paige Nelson, Jessica Valletta, Baylie Draper, Katherine “Sophie” Will, 
Corner Cayons

Wendy Packer, Sara Munzert,
Hillcrest

Kari Schott, Bertita Vilchez, 
Jordan High

Upon completion of the program, each girl has the opportunity to earn three semester hour credits in political science to use toward a university of their choice. 

But more than that, they will gain a greater understanding of the democratic process and earn a deeper patriotism for their country.                                      l