Jenna Hertel of Great Bend has been chosen to attend the 72st annual session of Sunflower Girls State on the Washburn University, Topeka campus. Sunflower Girls State is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, June 1st through 6th.  Miss Hertel is the daughter of Dan and Dort Hertel.
Joining approximately 325 other young women who have just completed their Junior year of high school, Miss Hertel will “Learn by Doing” the political system involved in the government of Kansas.
Beginning at the city level, advancing to county and the state, the girls will register to vote, file nomination papers, conduct political campaigns, and prepare and present speeches.
Tracie Thibault, Salina, is the 2013 Governor of Sunflower Girls State and will preside at the sessions. Lena Dennington, Shawnee, is the 2013 Lt. Governor will be assisting. The girls are housed in Washburn Living Learning Center and the Inauguration will be held in the Washburn Memorial Union.
During the week, speakers on government at the various levels will share their expertise with the girls. They will have the opportunity to ask questions about these individuals’ responsibilities in government. Speakers will include: The Honorable Judge G. Joseph Pierron, Kansas Court of Appeals; Dr. Barbara Ballard, State Representative; Mrs. Karon Cook, Department President of the American Legion Auxiliary; and other state, county and city officials.
Dr. Michele Eckermann, Harlan, Iowa, is the 2014 Director of Sunflower Girls State and Ms. Rachel Barnes, Lawrence, will serve as Assistant Director. A staff of 50 American Legion Auxiliary members and former Girls Staters volunteer in service to this program.