Special

By Lucy Dekkenga Girls State erupted as Ruhama Tereda was announced the 2017 governor, bringing two parties together in unity to celebrate the election of their new governor. A smile across her face, Tereda’s face gleamed with excitement and honor when she walked on stage to join her state officers, presented to the delegates for […]

By Haleigh Bebbington South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard received a standing ovation from a pumped-up crowd of Girls State delegates before his speech even began on Friday morning in Aalfs Auditorium Slagle Hall. Daugaard spoke with the delegates about what it means to find grit and the importance of staying in South Dakota government. “Girls […]

By Chrystina Anderson When canine Reno took to the stage in Aalfs Auditorium Slage Hall Thursday morning, the Girls State audience couldn’t help but “awe.” Reno is a normal, happy and fun dog, said his handler Kyler Pekarek. He and Reno often play together when at home. But during the day, Reno works in the […]

By Mollie Schmidt Part of the Girls State experience, although not always positive, is failure. Addressing that potential failure, University of South Dakota S.J.D. Criminal Justice Professor Michael Roche asked delegates or not they had run for offices this week and lost some elections. About one third of delegates raised their hands during the Thursday […]

By Haleigh Bebbington Aalfs Auditorium Slagle Hall filled with excitement Thursday morning as congresswoman Kristi Noem took the stage. Noem hit on the importance of integrity and walked Girls State delegates through the process of getting involved in big government. Noem has spoken at Girls State for the past seven years and said it is […]

The final candidates to represent their party were announced Thursday morning at the General Assembly in Aalfs Auditorium. Waid, from St. Louis, was chosen to lead the Federalist Party as Ruhama Teneda from Seattle was elected as the Nationalist Candidate. The governor of South Dakota ALA Girls State is announced Friday morning and will be […]

By Mollie Schmidt Mike Stevens and Craig Kennedy took center stage Wednesday talking about separate political parties and their political views they while encouraging Girls State delegates to try their best and get as involved as possible. Kennedy’s centered his message on post-secondary education in South Dakota. The morning assembly took place in Aalfs Auditorium […]

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 […]