Summit County, Ohio: Buckeye Girls State, now in its 76th year, is a week-long annual program designed to educate Ohio’s young women between their junior and senior years of high school about the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of good citizenship. Participants are assigned to one of two political parties (Federalist or Nationalist), and a city and county at Girls State. Thereafter they caucus, campaign, hold primary and general elections. By Thursday, these young women have formed a fully functioning government at the municipal, county, and state levels. The overarching goal of the program is to show young women how government works by participating in it from the ground up. It strives to create active and involved citizens, and also to spark an interest in public service. The program builds leadership skills and knowledge.
Following in the footsteps of her mother, Judge McLaughlin’s involvement in the program has extended over 40 years. McLaughlin recalls first attending Girls State as a delegate in 1979. During that session, she was elected as State Attorney General.
“You might say that Girls State is in my blood. My mother served on the staff for over 50 years. And this year my sister became involved as well! This is a tremendous opportunity to give back to the community. It’s an honor to work with these young women and all our volunteer staff. It is inspiring and humbling to watch them grow and learn to support each other’s success over the course of the week. The lessons learned at Girls State last a lifetime.” Said Judge McLaughlin.
Held on the campus of Bowling Green University, Girls State is sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary of Ohio and covers the full expense of each participant’s registration, transportation, meals and accommodations. The American Legion of Ohio also funded two $1000 scholarships based on leadership ability, cooperation, attitude, interest in government and desire. Additionally, Bowling Green offers a $1000 scholarship for any delegate who enrolls at its University upon high school graduation. The $1000 scholarship is guaranteed for the respective student’s first four years at the University. Additional scholarships, as well as an opportunity to participate in Girls Nation in Washington D.C., and the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Cadet Week are also available to participants.
For more information on Buckeye Girls State, please visit www.buckeygirlsstate.org/details.
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