For the first time in 32 years, a Bridgeport High School girl has been elected as Governor of the American Legion Auxiliary West Virginia Rhododendron Girls State. In the 73^rd session of the leadership academy, Katie Mossburg was inaugurated as the 2015 Governor, complete with an inspiring ceremony to honor her.

 

Girls State was held at Wheeling Jesuit University June 22-27 with more than 300 attending from around the state.  Mossburg was among the nine representatives from Bridgeport High School, which also included: Maddi Dillon, Jennifer Gerst, Jenna Swann,Hannah McCall, Becka Crandall, Minahal Naveed, Claire Casto, and Kaylissa Lynch.

 

As part of the experience, the girls had the opportunity to meet Secretary of State Natalie Tennant, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, State Treasurer John Perdue, and Senator Joe Manchin.  In addition to the speakers, the girls participated in a fitness challenge, an art contest, a talent show, and had the opportunity to attend elective classes.

 

“Rhododendron Girls State is an intense program designed to educate girls about government and leadership, foster an appreciation for America and our veterans, and create a community between some of the top rising senior girls in our state,” said Mossburg. “I, personally, now have the honor as governor of representing the incredible girls I met there and becoming an advocate for a program I have seen to have the ability to change people's lives. Not only was former governor, Bonnie Walton, an inspiration to me, but so were all the girls, as they all had different stories and perspectives to contribute. My community, Marion, was especially important to me, because they have become like a family and I made friends there that will last a lifetime.”

 

Along with the honor of being elected by her peers as 2015 Governor, Katie will return to Girls State next year to serve her term and will receive a $500 scholarship to the college of her choice.