Local Girls to Participate in 67th Annual 'Girls State'

The American Legion Auxiliary will hold its 67th Annual Massachusetts Girls State at Stonehill College in Easton from Saturday, June 15, 2013 through Friday, June 21, 2013.

American Legion Auxiliary Beckwith Post 110 with the assistance of the American Legion Beckwith Post 110, The Sons of the Legion Beckwith Post 110, the Medfield New ‘N Towne Club, and the Medfield Lions Club have sponsored seven Medfield High School juniors to be their representatives.

Medfield's Girls State citizens are as follows:

• Miss Stephanie Cope, daughter of Lauren and David Cope
• Miss Natalie Czelusniak, daughter of Kim Occhiuti and David Czelusniak
• Miss Kelly McManus, daughter of Dianne Faro and Brian McManus
• Miss Meghan O’Connor, daughter of Alice and Tim O’Conno
• Miss Christina Rankin, daughter of Michelle Longerway and Don Rankin
• Miss Jennifer Thomas, daughter of Diane and Paul Thomas
• Miss Rachel Thorton, daughter of Maria and Daniel Thorton

More than 26,000 Massachusetts girls have participated in this citizenship program since its inauguration in 1945.

Three hundred girls from all parts of the State will participate in the week’s study of local and state government. They will establish and operate their own city or town, form two political parties, nominate candidates for office, conduct campaigns and hold elections.

Speakers will be state officials (if possible), leaders in government and other professions. Also speakers from The American Legion and The American Legion Auxiliary will be part of the program. They will learn about the responsibilities of the various branches of Government and the qualification and benefits of many of the leading professions.

Girls State will be held by every state in the Union. At the Girls State sessions, two girls will be selected to represent their respective states at Girls Nation to be held in Maryland in July.