Sneads High School Girls State

Each summer, approximately 20,000 enthusiastic young women participate in Girls State sessions across the nation. At Girls State, the “citizens” study local, county, and state government processes. After arriving at Girls State, the citizens are divided into two political parties to gain knowledge about the operation of a two-party system. This year, the two young ladies chosen to represent Sneads High School were Courtney Austin, daughter of Kim Austin, and Courtney Rogers, daughter of Joe and Brenda Rogers, all of Sneads. The girls were chosen by the local American Legion Auxiliary Unit based on the submission of an application and an essay. The girls were treated to 8 days of training in the practical processes of good citizenship in Tallahassee, FL, where they worked in the House of Representatives. While there, each girl had to submit an application and essay for the 2+2 scholarship. Each girl was also interviewed at the convention. The busy week concluded with the governor’s dinner where it was announced that Courtney Austin had been chosen to receive the 2+2 scholarship. She was the only girl out of five to be chosen from the Florida panhandle. Both girls consider it an honor to have been given the opportunity to participate in this event. This learning experience helps educate young women about their duties as United States citizens and encourages their participation in the democratic process.