Melanie Maneth of Great Bend High School has been chosen by Unit #180 of American Legion Women’s Auciliary to attend the 71st annual
session of Sunflower Girls State on the Washburn University, Topeka campus. Sunflower Girls State is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, June 2nd through 7th. Melanie Maneth is the daughter of Tim and Kim Nollette.
Joining approximately 325 other young women who have just completed their junior year of high school, Miss Maneth 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.
Sarah Evans, Overland Park, is the 2012 Governor of Sunflower Girls State and will preside at the sessions. Ami Purohit, Lenexa, the 2012 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 Sam Brownback, Governor of Kansas; Kris Kobach, Secretary of State; Mrs. Cheri Thomas, Department President of the American Legion Auxiliary; and other state, county and city officials.
Mrs. Anne Werner, Axtell, is the 2013 Director of Sunflower Girls State and Dr. Michele Eckermann, Harlan, Iowa, will serve as Assistant Director. A staff of 50 American Legion Auxiliary members and former Girls Staters volunteer in service to this program.