It’s election season and the votes are in.

Your new lieutenant governor is…Alli Themer.

Court of appeals judge is… Avery Davis.

Recently elected by their peers as Kingfisher County delegates at Oklahoma Girls State, Themer and Davis experienced a weeklong encounter focused on how government operates, as well as leadership and patriotism.

Sponsored by the Oklahoma American Legion Auxiliary and held on the University of Central Oklahoma campus in Edmond, delegates from all over the state who’ve completed their junior year gathered Memorial Day weekend, along with a host of volunteers and mentors, for the 78th session.

American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) of the Keith Lowry-Henry Ellyson Post No. 5 sponsored the two Kingfisher High School delegates and covered their tuition costs.

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.

In all 50 state programs, Girls State volunteers work to educate and empower young women to realize their potential as leaders, understand their civic rights and responsibilities and honor God and country.

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.

As lieutenant governor, Themer said she assisted the governor in making decisions regarding the passage of legislative bills and other duties.

“I chose to run for lieutenant governor to have the full Girls State experience,” she said, “and also to speak to the girls about things I think are important for our generation to hear.”

While running for office, Themer said she had the opportunity to speak to the girls on three occasions and emphasized that their voice matters and it’s important to come together, understand different viewpoints and grow together.

“Many kids today don’t believe that their voice matters and many don’t even believe their life matters,” Themer said.

“I had the girls repeat after me: I am loved, I am chosen, I am valuable and I have a voice.”

With a basic knowledge of government and politics, Davis said she felt like she had a lot to learn, but was very glad to be able to attend.

“I was a council member for my city and later was voted to be a court of appeals judge, which was pretty fun,” Davis said.

“As a council member, I got to help elect the mayor of our city and as a judge, we all sat in moot court and basically had friendly arguments about the case we were dealing with.”

Another critical aspect which is emphasized as the girls work within their government duties is the importance of civil debate and working together despite differing viewpoints.

Throughout the week, various special guests included Gov. Kevin Stitt, former Gov. George Nigh, Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborn and UCO President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar as well as others.

Encouraging delegates to dream big, the speakers presented messages of motivation, encouraging the girls to believe in themselves and know they can make a difference in the world.

“Each speaker was passionate and empowering in the sense that we should know our worth no matter what we pursue,” Davis said.

Delegates also had the opportunity to engage in other fun activities such as skits, music and other events.

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.

A longtime Oklahoma Girls State volunteer, Kingfisher resident Lavenia Boutwell served as music director.

Boutwell’s daughter-in-law and Davis’ great-aunt, Andi Boutwell, also continued a long tradition of volunteering as a senior counselor.

Davis, the daughter of Lindsay and Kelly Kopp and Brandon and Aly Davis, is involved in basketball, cross country, soccer, STUCO, National Honor Society and Oklahoma Honor Society.

She was also first runner-up of 2022 Distinguished Young Women.

Themer, the daughter of Dennis and Tammy Themer, is the reigning 2022 Distinguished Young Woman and is involved in FFA, STUCO, National Honor Society and Oklahoma Honor Society.

Also involved in Students Stepping Up, Themer founded the KHS chapter which focuses on community outreach and performs monthly service projects for the community.

Making friendships is another integral part of the week and both girls expressed how important that aspect was to them.

“I got the opportunity to learn about bipartisanship, the legislative process and patriotism, as well as cultivating many friendships,” Themer said.

“So many girls came up to me after I gave my speech and opened up to me about their struggles,” she said. “I think it’s really cool that it’s making a difference and how I got to know others in a deep way at Girls State.”

Davis added: “My favorite part of Girls State was the friendships I made and the fact that I got a sweet roommate and a really great city.

“It was truly an empowering experience.”