Six incoming seniors at Dexter High School participated in the 2018 Missouri Girls State held June 24-30 in Warrensburg.
Anna Bishop, Rylie Frizzell, Olivia Lacy, Erica Parris, Macy Roper and MaKenna Wilson attended the event held at the University of Central Missouri.
Seven hundred forty-four girls participated in this year's Girls State, which is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary.
The purpose is to promote pride in America and to create a mythical state that the citizens will govern at the city, county and state level, according to the event's website. Speakers serve as leaders in Missouri government as well as hold important offices in communities, the website said.
Forging new friendships is a by-product of the process.
"I loved getting to meet new people," Lacy said, "and I have 35 new best friends. We've been texting nonstop since we left."
Roper said in a press release, "I had the opportunity to meet young, determined women that held different experiences and views other than my own. I am extremely confident the relationships I was able to create will last a lifetime, and without this experience, it would not have been possible."
Bishop enjoyed the diversity of the girls who participated.
"It seemed by the end of the week that everyone was equal and we were all friends," Bishop said. "It felt like we were in there a month and we were family, almost."
Parris, who ran for governor for the Federalist Party, might have a future in politics.
"One day, I might actually want to run for office," Parris said. "That was an exciting experience, even though I was helping other people with their campaigns, too. It was fun being a part of the campaign managing, as well."
Bishop, who was elected mayor of her city, took the executive class.
"It taught a little about campaigning and how to be in charge in a political office, which is something I hadn't really thought about before Girls State," Bishop said.
Wilson, who was elected a state representative, a city councilman and fire chief, learned first-hand how the government works.
"I got to go to Jefferson City, and we got to do mock debates in the House of Representatives," Wilson said. "I learned a lot about how our legislature (works) and how they actually vote on bills and how they pass bills in the house."
Bishop learned how the judicial branch works.
"Our city actually got sued," Bishop said. "I got to see how that figures in. We lost. We were all sued. We ended up appealing the case. We saw a lot about the Supreme Court. It was a good learning experience."
Frizzell enjoyed the patriotism.
"We always said the pledge and sang the national anthem at the opening of each assembly," Frizzell said. "I thought that was really cool."
Frizzell, who was elected fire chief, learned the value of working together.
"I learned that even if you're put in a difficult situation that you're not comfortable in, it's always easier if you make friends. Then, you can get through it," Frizzell said.
Lacy, who is a member of the Kickin' Cats at DHS, danced in a talent show.
"Performing in the talent show was fun," Lacy said. "Everybody standing up, giving me a standing ovation."
Lacy served as parks and recreation director and on the city council.
"I've learned new leadership skills that can (not only) help me now in high school but in getting me ready for college, and I can use (them) in my future career," Lacy said.
Roper explored her interest in journalism.
"I had the opportunity to anchor, (be a) camera woman and more," Roper said. "I had the ability to work with many other young women that were interested in news reporting."
Girls State candidates were evaluated on their leadership abilities, interest in government, service to others and academics, according to the website. Speech and debate experiences were also beneficial.
Each participant's tuition was paid by the auxiliary unit sponsoring the citizen and contributing organizations, according to the website. Locally, the Dexter Lions, Dexter Rotary Club, Dexter Elks Lodge No. 2439, Dexter Kiwanis and Holden Law Office contributed financially.