Special

By Adeline Smidt   South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard encouraged Girls State delegates Friday morning to get involved in the government and dream big. “We need you to be our leaders in the future,” Daugaard said at Aalfs  Auditorium. Daugaard attended Boys State when he was in high school. He talked about the way Girls […]

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 […]

By Anna Eggers     Girls State delegates involved in choir this year have found family even though they’re away from home. Choir director Ethel Cooper is known as “Grandma Cooper” to those she’s working with this week. Under Cooper’s direction, Girls State Choir will perform in Aalfs Auditorium tonight in front of the rest […]

By Taryn Northrup and Lauren Svatos   From blazers and pencil skirts to sundresses and sandals, fashion is an ever-evolving industry used for self-expression. Fashion trends and fads are always changing, but for certain events, there needs to be a consistent fashion standard. With all of the different fashion trends, each girl is able to […]

By Marisa Smith   Kristi Noem used her personal experiences to inspire Girls State delegates at Thursday morning’s assembly. When Noem was a little girl, she wanted to be a rancher. But after her father died in a farming accident, she got a letter in the mail from the IRS asking for death tax. She […]

By Nadine Moore   Marty Jackley unrelentingly discussed some of South Dakota’s most challenging issues during his visit at the general assembly Thursday morning. Jackley, South Dakota’s Attorney General, touched on a variety of topics, including the correlation between rising drug abuse and crime rates, gun control and capital punishment. “Certainly the biggest problem, coming […]

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 […]

By Libby Klamm   Sophie Kouri came to Girls State without knowing exactly what she wanted to do or get out of the experience. “I came in not going to (run for governor), but it was always in the back of my head,” said Kouri, who was appointed yesterday by the Federalist Party. After arriving […]

By Abigail Beeson   One year ago, Ally Monson didn’t expect to be the South Dakota Girls State Governor. Monson wasn’t even expecting to run for governor. “I didn’t know what I was going to do,” Monson said. Now, Monson advocates for Girls State and encourages other delegates to run for an office. “Last year, […]

By Taryn Northrup and Lauren Svatos   The mission of the American Legion Auxiliary at South Dakota Girls and Boys State programs is to “provide an outstanding, unique and coveted educational opportunity for young women (and men) who instill the basic ideals of American government.” Young leading ladies of South Dakota meet for one week […]