“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”

- Benjamin Franklin There was a lot of learning, a lot of involvement and a lot of friendships being made at the 82nd annual American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Oklahoma Girls State.

Kingfisher High School delegates Isabella Gomez and Harper Evans were among the many young women who gathered at the University of Central Oklahoma campus May 25-30 for a week of handson learning about government, patriotism and leadership.

The ALA of the Keith Lowry-Henry Ellyson Post No. 5 sponsored the two KHS delegates.

A premier program for young women who’ve completed their junior year of high school, Oklahoma Girls State is a patriotic, non-partisan government program that emphasizes God and Country.

But it’s much more. It’s a time of leadership, empowerment and building lifelong friendships for many of the girls.

Delegates are randomly divided into “cities,” where they then campaign for offices, hold elections and operate a simulated government at the city, county and state level.

Gomez, the daughter of Jose and Marcie Gomez, served as an election board member and a state representative. Evans, the daughter of Justin and Alicia Evans, served as her city’s party committee member and as a planning and zoning commissioner, as well as a state representative.

Reflecting on the weeklong experience, Gomez said, “My favorite part of Girls State was getting the opportunity to learn and participate in the mock government while being able to meet and talk to so many exceptional girls from all over Oklahoma.”

Evans said, “My favorite part of girls state was meeting so many new people and just finding so many people you have connections with.”

Delegates started the week off on Memorial Day by participating in a service to honor veterans and their sacrifices. It included messages from senior counselors about their experiences in the Oklahoma Army National Guard and delegates had the opportunity to participate in the annual poppy flower remembrance event.

Covering a wreath in red poppy flowers, delegates solemnly honored those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to their country and in support of the living heroes who have served in the U.S. military.

Throughout the week, delegates also participated in various recreational activities and had the opportunity to listen to motivational talks from a variety of guest speakers.

Included in this year’s lineup was Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborn, Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur, Bethany Mayor Amanda Sandoval and Jari Askins, a former judge, state legislator and lieutenant governor, among others.

Always a highlight of the event, at the age of 97, former Governor George Nigh continued his legacy of addressing the delegates for the 75th consecutive year.

A common theme stressed throughout the week encouraged delegates to believe in themselves and know they can make a difference and effect change.

More than 30,000 girls have participated in the program which has been conducted annually since 1940, with the exception of two years in World War II and in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each year a multitude of volunteers work to ensure the young women have a memorable, inspirational and educational experience.

For many of those years there has been a healthy of volunteers from Kingfisher County or with Kingfisher ties.

Lavenia Boutwell served many years as the music director until retiring two years ago and her daughterin- law Andi Kopp Boutwell, of Piedmont, has also served as a senior counselor for 15 years, but was unable to attend this year.

However, her daughter, Brooke Boutwell Day, served as a senior counselor at this year’s session. She’s also the granddaughter of LaVenia Boutwell and the late Clyde Boutwell and Judd Kopp and the late Cleo Kopp.

As the week came to a close, the delegates left with a better knowledge of how government works, enhanced leadership qualities, a solid respect for God and Country and new friendships.

Looking back on the experience, Evans said, “all the public speaking” left a significant impact on her.

In agreement, Gomez also commented on the benefi ts of the program’s focus on public communication skills.

“Before Girls State, I was very uncomfortable with public speaking and doing things that are out of my comfort zone, but now I feel more confident in both of those areas,” she said.

“The experience as a whole made a lasting impact.”