Girls and Boys State educate our young leaders about government

Written by Kari Sundberg, Eagle Editor

Recently, local area youth were selected to attend the annual Minnesota Girls and Boys State camp in the cities area. Among those chosen from Grygla were Evan Fish and Elise Monson. The camps are sponsored by the local American Legion/American Legion Auxiliary posts.

Evan Fish, Boys State

Evan Fish, who will be a senior at Grygla High School this fall, attended the American Legion Boys State of Minnesota on June 9-15 at St. John’s University Campus near St. Joseph, Minnesota. 

Minnesota American Legion Boys State is a week-long experience of learning about Minnesota government at the local, county and state levels by “doing.” It is a week of intensive study and involvement, along with numerous sports and fun activities, too!

Minnesota Boys State is a program for young men who have just completed their junior year of high school. Highlights of the week include political speakers, mock trials, campaigning, elections and announcement of the Boys State Governor and State Constitutional Officers. While at St. John’s, Evan was elected as a City Police Chief for his mock county. 

He was elected last fall to attend Boys State by the American Legion Post in Grygla. 

Of his experience, he says, “I went into Boys State with an open view on what it was going to be like. My advisors were extremely passionate in what they were doing and, next thing you know, all of the kids in the group were, too. Friendships followed after that. I recommend this program to anyone; introvert or extrovert – it’s a place where you will make memories that will last your whole life.”

Elise Monson, Girls State

American Legion Auxiliary Girls State is a nonpartisan program that teaches young women responsible citizenship and love for God and Country, similar to Boys State. Since the inception of the Girls State program in 1937, nearly one million young people have had the opportunity to learn first-hand how their state and local government works; Elise Monson was among that group of young ladies at Bethel University June 9-15.

Of her experience, she wrote:

“I didn’t know to expect before attending ALA MN Girls State. I had no clue what this week had in store for me. I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to go; thank you to the American Legion & Auxiliary of Grygla for sending me.

Here is a little summary of my time there: When I arrived at Bethel University in Arden Hills, MN, I was nervous to see who I would be spending the rest of my week with. On the first day decided I wanted to run for a Girls State City Office position. Monday morning I filed for a City Councilman position. That same day I was voted into office as our city’s Reflections chairman. Throughout the week I was responsible for a designated time each night where everyone in our city would reflect on the day. 

Tuesday was a day for county elections. I got to hear from the candidates as well as vote for any girl running for a position in my county. It was also the first day state office candidates could campaign. Tuesday night is when I helped friends campaign by simply going up to strangers and talking up my friends. This was also the day I joined the choir. 

Wednesday was the day where we had elections for the state officials. Everyone in our city was pretty excited to see two of our own win their elections! Everyone at Girls State participated in the Candle Light Ceremony that night. 

Thursday night I performed in the choir for the inauguration. On Friday we got to visit the State Capitol. At the Capitol our city performed a mock trial, which was a made-up case that we had to do our best to win. I played a lawyer, but we, unfortunately, lost the case. After we were done with our mock trials we had time to tour the Capitol. I spent most of Friday wandering the Capitol and learning about our state’s history. Friday night, each city had to perform in a talent show. My city did a combination of a vocal solo and goofy dance routine. Saturday was the final day at Girls State were we packed up and said goodbye to all of the new friends we had made. 

My week at Girls State has taught me a lot about our state’s political process through hands-on activities and by listening to many speakers, including our state governor, Tim Walz. I also got to meet many incredible girls my age that made my Girls State experience a blast! I hope to stay in contact with my new friends, as well as bring all of the positive energy I got from Girls State home. The most important thing I learned was, although we may have come from different corners of the state we’re not as different as we think.”