May 2017

By Mollie Schmidt Red, white and blue surround delegates during their week at the ALA South Dakota Girls State, symbolizing the patriotism instilled in each participant from the minute they step onto the University of South Dakota campus. The American colors are not the only symbolic representation of patriotism surrounding delegates during their week at […]

By Keanah Lampkin John Thune’s goal in life never included becoming a politician. He wasn’t introduced to politics until James Abdnor, a former South Dakota Republican politician, thrust him into the scene. Now, Sen. Thune (R-S.D.) is serving his third term in the United States Senate and spoke about that experience Tuesday morning. Thune encouraged ALA […]

By Kenli Carlson Crystal Humbyrd from Baltimore felt empowered after Marty Jackley’s message to the Girls State 2017 delegates. “I’ve felt so inspired to grasp all the opportunities around me,” Humbyrd said. On Tuesday, Jackley discussed how government can impact people’s lives during his speech at general assembly in Aalfs Auditorium Slagle Hall. He listed […]

By Lucy Dekkenga and Mollie Schmidt When the assault demonstration speaker stepped on stage, a few groans and whispers could be heard as another speaker took center stage. However, once he said the words “sexual assault,” the crowd was completely drawn in and went silent. During the second general assembly on Tuesday at Aalfs Auditorium […]

By Chrystina Anderson Hundreds of girls started packing for ALA South Dakota Girls State a few weeks ago, and others started the day before arriving. One thing they may all have in common is the thought, ‘What clothes should I bring/wear?’ This question may have gone through every girl’s mind as they packed, and they […]

By Madisen Martinez South Dakota Army National Guard Veteran Brett Keller had an important message for the Girls State audience: Don’t take for granted why each delegate is able to attend the week-long session. During the first general assembly in Aalfs Auditorium Slagle Hall at 8 p.m. Monday, former serviceman Brett Keller spoke during his […]

By Lucy Dekkenga The sound of wind swept through Aalfs auditorium as approximately 400 Girls State delegates rubbed their hands together, led by Emily Firman Pieper on stage. Next, the sound of sprinkling rain trailed across the room. Rains lead to a downpour, progressed into a thunderstorm, and grew louder and louder with each movement. Firman […]