Pride, democracy, patriotism, growth, inspiration, friendship, empowerment — these are all words that describe the Girls State and Girls Nation experience.

Girls State: The Girls State program is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary in each respective state of the country to educate youth about civic responsibility and government processes. For six days during the month of June, Weber State University hosts hundreds of girls selected throughout the state of Utah.  

This year, 15 girls were selected by the Sandy American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 77. They represented their school as follows: Alta — McKenzie Gutierrez, Lauren Webb; Brighton — Bethany Cutler, Sarah Ellis, Anna Kaufman; Corner Canyon — Aubree Covington, Darienne DeBrule, Bryn Jorgensen, Melise Zundel; Hillcrest — Rebecca Dawes, Madison Parker; Jordan — Raegan Davenport, Gabrielle Marz, Adrian Pozernick; Juan Diego — Rori Phibbs.

These students participated in a hands-on educational experience concerning government process through elections, mock trials, music and seminars with public officials. Each girl ran for office on a city, county and state level and received three hours of political science credit. 

Girls Nation: Girls State delegates selected two Girls State senators to represent them at Girls Nation. Raquel Rhoades from Corner Canyon High School was elected to represent Utah Girls State at Girls Nation in Washington, D.C. in July 2016. She will return with the Girls State governor, attorney general and additional senator to run the 2017 session of Utah Girls State.