Waukon High School students reflect on their participation in Legion Girls and Boys State
Pictured above, left to right: Ella Homewood and Jaedyn McGuire
A pair of Waukon High School students were selected to participate in their respective Legion State events this past summer. Ella Homewood was sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary of Harpers Ferry to attend American Legion Auxiliary Girls State this past summer at Drake University in Des Moines, and Jaedyn McGuire was sponsored by Waukon’s American Legion Post 62 to take part in American Legion Boys State at Camp Dodge in Johnston.
Participation in the Legion Girls and Boys State events offers leadership opportunities for high school juniors and allows them to learn about government and how to work together. There are also opportunities for college scholarships. Each of the two students shared their experience below:
Ella Homewood
Girls State
“I had the opportunity to go to Girls State this past June. This took place at Drake University for six days. I arrived on Sunday kind of nervous and didn’t know if I would fit in with my dorm roommates, but ended up as best friends even though we live hours away from each other. On day one, which was Sunday, I kind of felt a little overwhelmed with everything but that was normal for all of us.
It was really hot all week and there was lots of walking. We got to explore a little bit. We got to learn how to put the flag up and how to take it down, to retire or dispose of a flag the right way, and flag etiquette. We also had chorus almost every day.
Monday, we listened to a whole bunch of speeches from those who were running for President, Mayor, Governor and any office at Girls State. Tuesday was about the same as Sunday. Wednesday we got to visit the Capitol building, and we got to meet a famous person, the John Deere kid, who knows a lot about tractors, and I got a picture with him. We heard from Officer Jason Marlow and Officer Shelby McGreedy and learned about accidents and staying off our phones when driving.
Thursday we got to learn how to defend ourselves with a self-defense class and more elections. Friday we got to do community service and got to make items for the homeless veterans and the veterans that are in the hospitals. I got to be the city treasurer, the county assistant weed commissioner, and a member of the county racing association.
Finally, we had inauguration and then got to go home. I really enjoyed my time at Iowa Girls State, and I really appreciate the opportunity the American Legion Auxiliary of Harpers Ferry gave me. Thank you for that opportunity.”
Jaedyn McGuire
Boys State
“Boys State was a fun opportunity I got to participate in this summer. Boys State is a week-long lesson in civics run by The American Legion and the Sons of the American Legion, hosted by the Iowa National Guard at Camp Dodge in Johnston. During this week you get to experience many fun and educational things, from running for Governor or another position, to doing obstacle courses and gas chambers or exploring the Gold Star Museum on base.
The down time is also filled with fun, from nightly sports like football or ultimate frisbee, or having fun with the new people you get to meet. You also get to go to the Capitol building and talk with various members of our state level of government, from district representatives, to the State Auditor or State Treasurer.
Overall it’s a fun, unique experience that imparts important information and good times that will never be forgotten.”
More information about Girls State can be found online at https://www.iowagirlsstate.org/. More information about Boys State can be found online at https://ialegion.org/boysstate/.
