2017

By Haleigh Bebbington South Dakota representative Mike Stevens provided Girls State delegates with useful advice Wednesday morning about pushing boundaries and striving for bigger accomplishments. During the assembly in Aalfs Auditorium Slagle Hall, Stevens spoke about empowering women and the importance of getting involved in government. “There was a time not too long ago that […]

By Lucy Dekkenga Among the hundreds of women at ALA South Dakota Girls State this week, there are a few who stand out. One of them can almost always be seen smiling and holding a conversation with someone, whether it’s a delegate or an American Legion Auxiliary member. Even while sitting down for an interview […]

By Lucy Dekkenga Quiet music began to play as a dancer from Miami flowed her movements to the soft song. With her first turn, the crowd applauded. As the song progressed, became louder and more energized, so did she. In sync with the movements and song, the crowd’s cheers grew in Aalfs Auditorium. On one of […]

By Chrystina Anderson From a young age, most of our guardians have encouraged us to pursue our dreams and goals. We’ve often heard encouraging messages such as, “You can do it!” and “Don’t give up!” At the time, some of us may have rolled our eyes, because we know our family, friends and/or guardians are […]

By Mollie Schmidt Ethel Cooper’s goal as the ALA Girls State choir director is to inspire people through music. She hopes to accomplish this goal through the choir concert sang by delegates this year at the Friday night inauguration. This year, delegates will sing a series of pieces, which incude: “United We Stand,” “You Raise […]

By Kenli Carlson The Muenster University Center surged with enthusiasm Wednesday as college and career booths attracted Girls State delegates to explore new opportunities. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Girls State delegates attended the college and career fair, where a variety of booths were on display. Delegates learned about different colleges and careers available […]

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 […]