My Level of Preparedness for Girls State and What I Learned

If there is one thing I have realized in the 24 hours I have been at Girls State, it is that some, like myself come completely unprepared compared to others. When I heard the announcement in chapel a couple months back about Girls State, I had no idea what exactly it was, but I thought it was something I would be interested in. I picked up an application and filled it out. A couple weeks later, I received a packet in the mail with papers of information to go over and fill out before my arrival. Being the procrastinator that I am, I submitted the paperwork two days after it was due and read the remaining information the night of the 17^th (the day before). While reading over the “what to bring” sheet, I thought of the idea of possibly running for a position. On this list it said to bring campaign materials just in case. So that night, I went to Rite Aid and stocked up. 

Feeling prepared and ready to campaign, I showed up at Girls State the first day and soon came to realize many others had been far more prepared. Delegates had printed out pamphlets, pre-made posters and even handed out lollipops with their name. And here I was, with my poster board and materials still in the packaging. It was at this point where I realized I was definitely prepared.

But this was not the end. It soon became clear I was not alone, but beyond that it became clear it didn’t matter. This is an environment in which delegates are supported and encouraged to try new things out, even if they are unsure. So whether a delegate came ready to campaign, or came with the materials still in the box, it didn’t matter. All were equally supported and presented with the same opportunity.

How to Make the Most Out of Girls State Struggles:

By Isabella McCallum and Sydney Smith

Part One:

Making the Most Out of Waiting In Line

We all know the struggle of waiting in line. Whether it be at Girls State, or in other experiences, it is very annoying. Here we have some helpful tips to make the wait just a little more bearable.

Tip #1: Take this as an opportunity to introduce yourself to people you haven’t met yet. When in situations when the whole state is together, such as meals, get to know people outside your own.

Tip #2: Use this as a chance to contact home or upload pictures to your social media. Just don’t forget to socialize with other Girls State members as well!

Tip #3: Campaign! Waiting in line is a great chance to talk to others and get to know them better to make the connections needed to win.

Tip #4: Take a minute to appreciate the surroundings. Girls State is only a 5-day program; take in the views, it’s a beautiful campus.

Tip #5: Connect with people! Ask people about their hobbies and passions. Maybe you’ll have something in common and will make a life long bond.

Part Two:

Making the Most Out of Getting Up Early

We all know the struggle of waking up early. Being teenagers, we all have a certain tendency towards sleep and rest. As much as we all would love to sleep in, we have some great tips to make early mornings just a little easier.

Tip #1: Set a fun alarm. Wake up to something you actually want to hear and it will make pressing the snooze button just a little harder.

Tip #2: Coffee. Get coffee. Caffeine will be your friend during Girls State, especially during these early mornings.

Tip #3: If you wake up with early morning exercise, you go Glen Coco. But honestly the morning air can be a great way to feel energized and prepare you for the day.

Tip #4: Go to bed at a reasonable time and try not to stay up past lights out. Remember that the later you go to bed, the harder it will be to get up.

Tip #5: Set multiple alarms. If you only set one alarm you might sleep through it and be late or rushed.

Part Three:

Making the Most Out of Polos

We all know the struggle of our green polos. All of you fashionistas might worry about how to rock your polo, but we have some helpful tips to make your polo a little more stylish.

Tip #1: Wear cute, fun hairstyles. This is a great way to express your personality and manage your hair in the hot weather.

Tip #2: Bedazzle your polo. The polo is the window to the soul, so make it as you as possible!

Tip #3: Take advantage of any opportunity to wash your polo. As we all know, it’s hot outside and we all sweat. Also, use the D.O. for your B.O. :)

Tip #4: Respect, yo. Polos represent an important tradition in girls state. No matter how much your like or don’t like your polo, we’re all in this together.

Tip #5: You are more than your appearance. Get to know girls more for who they are and what they stand for.

bonus. section.

don’t fall in the pit

Feeling like a fun Girls State activity? Take our crossword challenge!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AP7ciCFUH4WZ--l68ywzpJGBzeUbK-nTpdmFjtsJuZ9MpjyswrwU5mtukl6fd6dkMLojJmDQDEl3npyK/view?ts=5767e543

Emilie Begin and Athena Hendrick

                            What is the Best Part of Girls State?

On the second day of Girls State, we went around and asked members what they thought is the best part of girl state so far.  

Here are our responses:

Athena H: “Meeting people with different backgrounds who have similar passions.”

Emilie B: “All of the opportunities to try new things, meet new people, and really make the most of this experience.”

Jaclyn C: “Meeting other girls from all over the state and making connections.”

Maeve S: “The College panel because it was really helpful and statewide activities.”

Kenna H: “Interacting with counselors and participating in statewide activities.”

Molly E: “I think that campaigning is an enrichment opportunity that nobody should pass up.”

Kaeleigh B: “I love the aspect of campaigning in a more fun atmosphere rather than the intense real world.”

Sydney S: “Meeting other people with similar interests.”

Isabella M: “I like the political parties, even though I haven’t had the opportunity yet to debate any issues. I’m excited for that.”

May H: “Meeting a whole bunch of people and crying about being elected into the position I wanted.”

Sophie L: “Meeting new people and seeing old friends.”

Madalyn S: “The college panel was very helpful.”

Claire W: “Being encouraged to put myself out there.”

Maria B: “Making posters and bonding with my awesome awesome awesome roommate.”

Skyler W: “Getting to watch the flag raising ceremonies everyday which puts into perspective what a beautiful and powerful symbol the American flag is for so many people in our country.”

Lizzie P: “Seeing how the ALA (American Legion Auxiliary) works.”

Abbie P: “Coming together, bonding with people and playing games.”

Erica G: “Having a cool roommate and the tiny town meetings, because they allow us to do things in a small group.”

Brooke O: “The community.”

Sunny I: “The state wide activities, because it’s fun seeing everyone.”

Monday Night

Today has been a busy day here at ALAGMGS. Primary candidates submitted their petitions today, and our two parties will formally vote tomorrow on the primary candidates for 2016 ALAGMGS. We are so excited to hear from our exceptional candidates about why they want to serve in office.

This year, our citizens raised a generous donation to present to our veteran's recognition project, the Veteran's Place, which is a transitional home for veterans in Vermont.

We were joined by retired veteran Commander Stephen Weston, the Board Chair, of the Veteran's Place. Steve accepted the donation on behalf of the organization, and shared words of encouragement and appreciation for our girls.

In addition to these wonderful activities, the girls were told the poppy story and took an active role in our candlelight memorial service. At the service, the girls learned how to recognize those men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and its people.

Emily Butson performed On Flanders Field and America the Beautiful, and the ALAGMGS chorus performed Taps. It was a beautiful and moving service.

This evening, the girls were given the option of viewing episodes of Parks and Recreation during free time, which also meant lessons in feminism from our favorite bureaucrat, Leslie Knope! Girls State is all about women celebrating women. It's like Lilith Fair, but with elections!

Look out for articles, stories, and other media from the girls tomorrow, as well as the 2106 primary election results!

Yours in service,
ALAGMGS

Town Election Results

Congratulations to all of the girls who won their town elections! We are so proud of all of you! Results are posted below.  In addition to the Town Election results, we will convene tonight for our session Memorial Service to honor those service members who lost their lives defending our freedom. Girls will be actively involved in this process, as we once again make a donation to the Veteran's Place and lay a poppy wreath in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our great country.

Those girls who are running for a statewide office are turning in their petitions this afternoon, and we can't wait to hear primary speeches! Good luck to all delegates!

Attorneys have been hard at work learning their fact pattern, and starting to develop their arguments. We can't wait to go meet with Justice Robinson at the Vermont Supreme Court!


Howard Election Results

• Town Moderator - Kenna Hausler
• Town Clerk - Linnea Mylott
• Town Treasurer - Emily Bates
• Select Board Chair - Evelyn Leikert
• Select Board - Mikayla Hull, Katie Koonz,  Elisabeth Tate, and Hannah Dambach
• Lawyers - Andi Esenler and Mollie Coltey

Mason Election Results 

• Town Moderator- Mason Archambeault
• Town Clerk- Kassidy Walkowiak 
• Town Treasurer - Sophia Rampone
• Select Board Chair - Julia Stergas
• Select Board - Kaeleigh Broyles, Reilly Howard, Bailey Brown, Caroline Johnston  
• Attorneys - Jenna Bourdeau and Annie Soho

Gray Election Results 

• Town Clerk - Alyse Beauchemin
• Town Moderator - Molly Engels and Jaclyn Cline
• Treasurer: Maria Brosseau
• Select Board: Alyssa Saunders, Erin Wierzbicki, Karissa McFadden, Jasmin Daigle-Arnold, Julia Bernier
• Attorneys -Darcy Lavoie and Kate Harrison

Christie Election Results 

• Town Clerk - Moriah Covey
• Town Moderator - Leia Robinson
• Treasurer: Sydney Smith
• Select Board Chair - McKenna Montminy
• Select Board: Mikayla Weinzerl, Sierra Thornton, Claire Wulfman, and Rachel Hill
• Attorneys - Sophia Parker and Kierstynn Hawkins

It's here! The first day of 2016 ALAGMGS or the 73rd Session of ALAGMGS. The girls are all settled in, and the girls are all in bed. We've had a very eventful day today.

We are so excited to honor four of our past American Legion Auxiliary Department Presidents this year with towns named in their honor. Our state is divided into the towns of: Christie, Gray, Howard, and Mason.

The girls learned about the history of Old Glory, spent time in their party conventions, had their first town meetings, and bonded as a state through some very competitive group games.

Petitions were handed out this afternoon, and we are so excited to see who runs and hear their speeches. The halls are filled with campaign materials, and all of our delegates are working so hard already!

Congratulations to the winners of the party convention elections!

For the Federalists, we have:
Chair - Caroline Johnston (Mason)
Vice Chair - Mollie Coltey (Howard)
Secretary - Molly Engels (Gray)

For the Nationalists, we have:
Chair -  Annie Soho (Mason)
Vice Chair - Ellie Stroh (Christie)
Secretary - Lauren Covey (Covey)

We can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!