Crosby, Bauer learn about government at Girls State

For a week in June, Chloe Crosby and Shayna Bauer became the Thermopolis delegates for the 74th session of the American Legion Auxiliary Wyoming Girls State. The session was June 11-18 at the Northwest College campus in Powell, and provides a look at the goings-on of city and state governments.

According to a press release, the Girls State program emphasizes the importance of government in modern life and educates young women in the duties, privileges, rights, and responsibilities of American Citizenship. It awakens a sincere conviction that a well-informed, intelligent, participating citizenry is vital to protect and preserve our American institutions and our democracy. These goals are achieved by actual participation in a simulation of the political and governmental process.

Crosby and Bauer said during the session they both were members of the Senate, and among their learning was how to debate bills. Upon arrival at Girls State, participants are assigned to "cities" represented by different parts of the dormitories. The girls are then elected to different positions - Crosby was elected the Antelope City Precinct Captain, while Bauer was the City Clerk and News Reporter for Sagebrush. Other cities included Cottonwood, Bison, Meadowlark and Paintbrush.

Additionally, they also run for state offices. Crosby went on to be elected Clerk of District Court, and though Bauer made a bid for governor, she didn't make the general election. Bauer pointed out Crosby was also awarded a $1,000 scholarship to University of Wyoming.

Each city is also assigned a junior counselor - those who attended Girls State in 2015 - and a senior counselor - people that have some experience in government affairs.

A typical day at Girls State includes rising early for the flag raising at 6:45 a.m., followed by breakfast and some educational sessions.

These sessions are divided into the Senate - which Bauer and Crosby were a part of - House and Court. After the sessions, it's time for lunch and a presentation from one of the speakers. The girls noted among those presenting were Liz Cheney, Senator John Barrasso, Governor Matt Mead and Secretary of State Ed Murray.

Afternoons also involved electives. Though Choir, Dance, Journalism and Band were the initial options, there was no Band instructor so the girls went with Choir. After dinner, there were more sessions, but these were more to review what happened in the different branches during the day, before retiring to the dorms to discuss affairs of their city governments and finally getting to sleep around 11 p.m. Both girls commented their coffee intake was a bit more than they normally drink.

It's not all about the business of government at Girls State, however, as some talent shows provided entertainment a few nights. Crosby and Bauer didn't perform, but Crosby said, "some other really talented people did."

Though the days were long, Bauer and Crosby agreed the session got easier as the week went by, and they came away from the experience with some new friends, more knowledge regarding leadership and public speaking, and an increased appreciation for veterans.