Local Student to Represent High School in State Program

Create your own government, pass laws and maybe get to meet the President, all this while still in high school?  One local student may just get that opportunity.

Lauren Voltaggio, a junior at Lacey High School was surprised when she heard that her guidance counselor, Loren Heushkel, nominated her for American Legion Girl State program. 

“I admire her so much” said Voltaggio of her guidance counselor.

Voltaggio was one of seven girls nominated to be interviewed by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Association for this honor.

The Girl State program gives one girl from several high schools, from each state across the country, the opportunity to form their own government. In this week long program, participants learn how to participate in the functioning of their state's government in preparation for their future roles as responsible adult citizens.

Two girls from each Girl State will then be chosen to attend a week long program in Washington, D.C. where they run for political office, campaign for the passage of legislation and possibly meet with state Representatives and Senators. Capping off the week of Girls Nation is oftentimes a meeting with the President of the United States at the White House.

When asked what she hopes to learn from this experience, Voltaggio said “I really hope to find more of what I’m interested in, public speaking and brushing up on leadership skills." 

Voltaggio plans to become an Orthodontist and is currently involved in musicals, theater, all-shore choir and Varsity tennis.

This years Jersey Girl State will take place at Georgian Court College the week after the last day of school.  To learn more about this program, please go to www.boysandgirlsstate.org