It’s not just learning about how government works.

Although a big part of Oklahoma Girls State, the weeklong event sponsored by the Oklahoma American Legion Auxiliary is much more.

It’s a time of leadership, empowerment, patriotism and lifelong friendships for the young women who gather Memorial Day weekend and the following week.

Six Kingfisher County high school seniors recently served as delegates during the 80th session held on Oklahoma Christian University’s campus.

Attending from Kingfisher High School were Libbie Barnett, Kylie Hood and Remington Boutwell as well as Abby Swart from Lomega High School and Karci Vadder and Rayne Edwards from Hennessey High School.

Conducted annually since 1940, with the exception of two years in World War II, in 2020 due to the pandemic and held virtually in 2021, more than 30,000 girls have received citizenship training through the Oklahoma Girls State program.

Randomly divided into “cities,” delegates hold elections and operate a simulated government at the city, county and state level as well as develop qualities of leadership and patriotism.

Making “a split moment decision” to run for state offi ce, Edwards, the daughter of Russ and Marissa Choate and Joshua and Chassity Edwards, was elected as the state insurance commissioner.

Not a fan of public speaking, Edwards said, “It shocked me more than anyone when I found myself rising from my seat to run in the state election.

“I can’t tell you exactly why I did it, but I can say that the girls around me had cheered so loud that I didn’t even have time to get scared. “Standing in front of that audience and speaking without feeling anxious is a moment I will never be able to forget.” Delegates who were elected to a state office had the opportunity to visit the state Capitol where they interacted with their respective counterparts, Edwards said. Recalling the empowerment and support she felt from her fellow delegates was a special part of her experience, she added. Hood, the daughter of Shane and Janet Hood, described how she enjoyed the opportunity to form “a more personal perspective” of government than she previously had. “Between amazing guest speakers and running for offices, the hands-on experience reshaped my view of our government,” she said. Another aspect Hood said she would always remember was the speeches given while running for office.

“I liked that no matter what position a girl had on a topic or how good of a public speaker she was, everyone listened respectfully and gave everyone an equal chance,” Hood added.

Hood served as city party chair, city attorney and Secretary of Commerce.

Throughout the week, in addition to learning about government procedures and positions, delegates learn about civic responsibility and patriotism.

Incorporating ALA’s annual red poppy campaign, delegates were given the opportunity to honor and remember the sacrifice of American servicemen and women by covering a wreath with handmade paper poppies during the week.

Swart, the daughter of Richard and Karen Swart, expressed how special the Memorial Day ceremony was to her.

“It was a very meaningful moment for me because my grandpa served in the Marines in the Vietnam War and my great-grandpa served in the Army in World War II,” she said.

Another impactful moment, Swart said, was listening to former Governor George Nigh speak to the delegates.

“It was sensational,” she said. “He taught us how to be a proud Oklahoman.”

Swart served on the caucus election rules board and Boomer party platform board, as city emergency manager as well as a member of the choir and House of Representatives.

Additional speakers during the week included state Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborn, Oklahoma Department of Securities attorney Patty Labarthe, Secretary of Public Safety Tricia Everest and others.

Boutwell, the daughter of Dana Boutwell and the late Donovan Boutwell, served as vice mayor and city councilwoman and was elected as associate district judge.

An impactful moment at Girls State, Boutwell said, was when two delegates from her city were competing for governor and the losing delegate later helped her opponent campaign by making signs and was genuinely happy for her.

“This showed me how much we love and truly want the best for each other,” she said.

Overall, Boutwell said her favorite part of the experience was meeting new people and seeing the transformation everyone made.

“By the end of the week we all felt like a family,” she added.

Vadder, the daughter of Karl and Lacy Vadder, expressed her interest in law and government and how Girls State provided her the opportunity to learn more about both.

“My favorite part was the last day when I had the opportunity to be a defense attorney in a mock trial,” Vadder said.

With intentions of pursuing a career as an attorney, Vadder also said after listening to lawyers of varying backgrounds and focus, she developed interests in new areas of law.

“I originally thought contract law was where I ultimately wanted to land, but after listening to one particular speaker talk about some of her courtroom experiences, I would like to look more into court law,” she said.

Vadder was elected to serve on the state committee representing her city.

During the week, delegates also have the opportunity to participate in games, skits, singing and dancing.

Barnett, the daughter of Fay and Tiffanie Barnett, summed up what most all of the delegates expressed regarding the invaluable formation of lasting bonds with their peers during the week.

Although challenging to choose a favorite moment, Barnett said, “If I had to choose one, it would be the lifelong friendships you create.

“At the beginning I didn’t know what I was doing, but the amazing girls in my city were so encouraging and made me get out of my comfort zone to where it made me an overall better person.”

Barnett served as a city party member and associate district judge.

Expressing how Girls State made a huge impact on her, Barnett recalled one moment in particular.

“One of the speakers,” she said, “told us that we aren’t going to have the same opportunities more than once.

“We need to be ready for new opportunities when they present themselves.”

A large contingent of volunteers and sponsors made the week possible, which included Kingfisher resident Lavenia Boutwell serving as longtime Girls State music director.

Other local volunteers were 2023 Kingfisher High School graduate and junior counselor Avery Davis and senior counselors Andi Boutwell and Kylie Frisby.

As future delegates prepare for a week of fun and learning at Oklahoma Girls State, Edwards had a final piece of advice.

“Don’t work yourself up over campaigns and votes,” Edwards said. “Just spend time with the friends you made and be kind to everyone you see.

“Kindness is what got me the farthest at Girls State.”