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Fort Frye students attend Buckeye Girls State

This summer five young women from Fort Frye High School were among the 800+ participants in this year’s annual session of Buckeye Girls State, as delegates selected and sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary Post #389 in Beverly and American Legion Auxiliary Post #750 in Lowell. Buckeye Girls’ State was held June 12-18 at the University of Mount Union in Alliance.

This year’s delegates were Kayla Dye, daughter of Deana and Doug Dye of Beverly, Katie Hart, daughter of Linda and Scott Hart of Lowell, MaryKate McElroy, daughter of Beth and Allen McElroy of Whipple, Reagan Skinner, daughter of Jennifer and Sam Skinner of Beverly, and Sarah Wagner, daughter of Dayna and Brian Wagner of Lowell are all currently seniors from Fort Frye High School.

The Ohio American Legion Auxiliary has been a proud sponsor of Buckeye Girls State for the past sixty-four years. American Legion Auxiliary Units, assisted by high school principals and guidance counselors, evaluate potential leadership qualities of young women to be interviewed for selection as delegates. Young women are eligible to attend if they meet the following criteria: have completed their junior year of high school, are interested in government and current events, have high moral character, possess strong leadership abilities, and have an above average scholastic standing.

Buckeye Girls State affords participants an opportunity to live together as self-governing citizens by informing them about the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of American citizenship and hopefully encourages their participation in the democratic process as they progress into adulthood. Through hands-on experience young women have the opportunity to not only learn the mechanics of local and state government; but also learn citizenship and patriotism; gain self-confidence, poise and character.

Delegates are citizens who are divided into two mythical political “parties”. The parties do not reflect the two major political parties in today’s system, but allow citizens to gain a special knowledge of how the system works. Elections are held to fill city, county and state positions. Activities include government workshops, legislative sessions, campaigning, party rallies, debating, voting. The citizens also receive instruction in Parliamentary Procedure. This “hands on” method is unique and extremely effective. Additional activities include: journalism, law enforcement, music, field trips, group devotions, and patriotic ceremonies. The goals of Buckeye Girls State are to develop leadership and pride in American citizens, to educate delegates about the democratic system of government in the United States, to instill in delegates a greater understanding of American traditions, and to stimulate a desire to maintain the government process.

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