Raina Grimsley promotes humility

By Nadine Moore

Raina Grimsley’s parents always taught her the importance of politics, but they pushed her to form her own opinions and beliefs.

This value, instilled in Grimsley at a young age, especially benefits her now as she runs for the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State governor as the Nationalist Party candidate.

As she looks back on her motives to run for the position, she remembers her father, Ron Grimsley. He was the Boys State governor when he attended the program.

“At home, he encouraged me (to run) because he said he didn’t have the idea of running in his head when he got there,” Grimsley said. “He thought it would be a good opportunity to get your name out there and to meet people, so I decided to run for the same reason.”

Grimsley’s father has been a large influence on her life, whether it through policy or character.

“He’s where I get my knowledge and support from when it comes to my confidence and political knowledge. He’s always really humble,” said Grimsley. “He’s very accepting when it comes to other people’s opinions and ideas, and I think that’s just a good quality to have when you’re involved in politics and need to compromise.”

Aside from her father’s inspiration, Grimsley wants to represent Girls State in the best way she can. Her ideas about what a good governor should be and her platform keep her driven, even prior to the election.

“I try my best not to act like I’m the most important person in the room and to treat everyone as my equal rather than being their leader,” she said. “I think it’s a lot easier to bounce around ideas and get things done when you don’t have someone being a total tyrant of a leader.”

The Nationalists have been enthusiastic for Grimsley throughout her campaign, but her keynote speaker has been especially supportive.

“She has enough confidence to go in and not care what people think, but also enough humility not to be cocky. It’s a great balance,” said Nationalist Keynote Speaker Katie Patrick.

Not only does her party support her, but Grimsley also has the support her senior counselor.

“Raina is a very good leader. She is very kind and understanding,” said Los Angeles Senior Counselor Emily Luikens. “She would listen to anyone regardless of their characteristics. She will do as well as anyone can under pressure.”

For her platform, Grimsley chose “Equality/Equal Opportunity.” She wanted to not only focus on equality between the sexes, but also tie in inequalities minorities and the working class face as well.

In her hometown of Mitchell, Grimsley goes to Mitchell High School and participates in a variety of activities. She is involved in speech and debate, student congress, student council, color guard and she plays the flute in band. She is also a radio host.

“Everything I do is fun and helps me stay involved in the community, develop my speaking skills and meet a variety of people,” she said.

Grimsley plans to attend the University of South Dakota to major in medical biology, in hopes of being an orthopedic surgeon.

Grimsley hopes to positively promote Girls State to young girls back home.

“It’s a great way to make friends, and it looks awesome on college applications,” Grimsley said. “It’s super awesome to learn things with people who are similar to you, so you can learn a lot about our government while having fun with friends in a low-stress environment. Girls State makes it easy to learn and benefit from what you’re being taught.”