Monson takes on governor legacy in 2016
By Jordann Krouse
Yesterday’s general assembly revealed Allyson Monson as elected governor. A federalist hailing from the city of Seattle, Monson attributes her win to those around her and Tiffnay Newman, her senior counselor.
Originally from Clark, South Dakota, Monson attends Clark High School. A small town of about 12,000 people, Clark has a large elderly population. Because of this, Monson said she is close with the communities and people in her town.
Monson comes from a family of Girls and Boys Staters. Both her brother and sister took part in Boys and Girls State before her.
“My brother’s roommate won governor at boys state, so he was his big campaign manager and had an excellent time, and I said I’ll probably go to Girls State,” she said. “Then I got a call from my legion asking if I’d run for governor.”
Monson was unsure of whether she would run for governor, stating she put the legion’s question at the back of her mind. It wasn’t until she arrived at Girls State and finished her first day that she decided she would run for governor.
Tiffnay Newman, Monson’s counselor, was reported to be a big supporter of her campaign for governor. Former acquaintances from Monson’s other activity Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Newman and Monson go way back.
“It was really nice to have someone that I already knew, and she knew my skills and told me to do it,” said Monson.
Her connection with her city is something Monson also attributes her win to. Monson is a part of the city of Seattle with twenty-seven other delegates. She said it was because of the fun they had together and the relationships she formed that she decided to run for governor.
“I had such a good support system,” she said. “When I was falling apart and didn’t know what to do, I always had someone there who would tell me ‘You got this’”
But it wasn’t just by the support of other that Monson won, her speech Thursday night during the “Meet the Candidates” campaign managed to easily win over the crowd. With a platform based around The Tonight Show, Monson stressed the importance of education and unity.
“I feel so proud of them, they all worked so hard and they were amazing. I feel so grateful that I got to work with them and meet them this week,” said Morgan Fuller, Monson’s keynote speaker.
Excited to return next year, Monson expressed her joy at being able to come back to Girls State in 2016.
“If I hadn’t become governor I was planning to apply to become a junior counselor… I’m very excited, but I am a little nervous though because Lizzie has set such a high standard and I have some big shoes to fill.”
Lizzie Spier, elected governor at Girls State 2014, Spier is excited to welcome Monson to the Girls State governor legacy.
“The legacy of being a Girls State governor is one that is really indescribable,” Spier said. “You are truly a tribute to the girls that you represent, and it’s with immense pride and support that I congratulate Allyson on her accomplishments.”
(Photo: Allyson Monson will take over governor duties for the 2016 South Dakota Girls State session, which will celebrate 70 years in South Dakota. Brianna Schreurs / Sacajawea Scroll)
