Last week, nine girls from Carbon High School had the opportunity to attend Utah Girls State, a week-long program hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary.
Utah Girls State is a program that “teaches young women responsible citizenship and love for God and Country.” The Price ALA Unit 3 sent Maya Anderson, Maddie Barr, Anna Bryner, Kaycee Gilson, Katerina Mantas, Lacee Meyer, Jerika Morgan, Aubree Robinett and Susannah Ohlwiler to represent Price.
Throughout the week, the girls heard from motivational speakers, politicians, including Governor Gary Herbert, women involved in the armed forces, veterans and many others who encouraged them to take an active part in their community. They also participated in city, county and state elections as well as party caucuses in which they learned parliamentary procedure and ran for office or served as delegates. Other activities throughout the week included a mock trial, a congressional session and a county commission meeting.
At the conclusion of the week, several girls were awarded scholarships to Weber State University for academic merit. Barr was awarded the achievement scholarship for $800; Gilson was awarded an honors scholarship for $1,500; Morgan, Ohlwiler and Robinett were awarded the high honors scholarship for $2,500; and Bryner was awarded the full-tuition presidential scholarship.
“I’m so glad I went. I found a deeper love for my country and learned so much, not to mention making life long friends,” Barr said when asked about her week. “It was an incredible experience and I’m thankful I had the opportunity to go.”
“I had a ton of fun. It was a great experience,” concluded Anderson. “I encourage everyone to try for it.”