Grimsley prepares to promote platform

By Nadine Moore

Familiar with politics and a variety of policies because of her debate experience, Raina Grimsley wanted to first share her intentions with her inaugural address on Friday night.

Grimsley, a Los Angeles delegate, was announced as the new Girls State governor at general assembly on Friday.

“I think the biggest thing I can do is to inspire the girls this year with my inaugural address to strive for equality and opportunity and then do the same thing next year,” Grimsley said.

Exactly 20 years ago, Grimsley’s father, Ron Grimsley, was Boys State governor during its 50th anniversary in 1987.

Ron said he is proud of his daughter and what she has accomplished.

“It was a pleasant surprise,” Ron Grimsley said. “It’s one of those things that you learn what your responsibilities are as you go. She’ll learn those responsibilities as she goes through tonight and next year.”

Previous governors have been helpful by giving Grimsley advice, and she takes it to heart. Grimsley also has a large support system behind.

Her city, Los Angeles, and the Nationalist Party showed excitement for her at the debate Thursday evening and the revealing of the governor.

Grimsley’s lieutenant
governor has supported her from the start.

“She is so willing to listen to everyone’s ideas and she voices her own ideas in a way that makes it super easy to work with her,” said Lieutenant Governor Caroline Moriarty. “She’s able to present her ideas in a knowledgeable fashion that makes them easy to understand.”

Raina Grimsley will carry out her duties throughout the year and return to Girls State in 2017 to lead the week’s activities.