By HEIDI GASSER
BG Independent News
This week, the 80th annual American Legion Auxiliary Buckeye Girls State (BGS) conference welcomed over 500 rising high school seniors from across Ohio to learn civic engagement, create a model government and form connections that last a lifetime.
Hosted on BGSU campus, the program immerses all-female participants into government procedure by taking the girls through a mock election process, where they walk through the process of becoming an elected official. Once all girls win or select positions, the group models a self-sufficient state.
“Buckeye Girl State is a one-week intensive program for ladies entering their senior year of high school. We are all about government, all the way from state to county, all the way down to the local elections, and by the time we are done this week we will have a full working government, ” program director Ashley Dell said. “They get to learn about the voting process, and learn about the process of actually becoming a candidate. How do I attend a caucus, how do I get endorsed, how do I fill out the paperwork, how do I make it on the ballot?
On Tuesday, the program hosted a mock debate for girls running for the top BGS government positions, including governor, lieutenant governor, state treasurer, attorney general, etc. One candidate for governor, Nithya Talluri, said that it didn’t matter to her if she won or lost, because she knew all of the girls were “great candidates.”
“The community here is a lot stronger than you think. The sisterhood that is built here, I don’t think I will ever find in a different program. It is overwhelming in the best way possible,” Talluri said.
Most students, all rising seniors, were recommended specifically as delegates representing their high schools, and every volunteer that spoke with BG Independent mentioned the caliber of talent and camaraderie represented in the cohort. Jennifer Robinson, eight-year residence hall coordinator, teared up while discussing how touched she felt by seeing the relationships the girls form with one another.
“It gives them contacts for a lifetime. The girls’ eyes open. You can see the reactions: wow, I just met this friend. It’s like instant friendship, you know? And they work together and they are a team,” Robinson said.
Nancy Longdrake got involved with BGS 18 years ago as a “secret sister,” attending to girls in residence halls, and now serves as a hall coordinator.
“It’s a blast. They are great kids,” Longdrake said.
Antonella Remolina, candidate for state treasurer, said that her “favorite part of the debate was seeing other people debating.”
“I’ve met a bunch of girls from all different cities, counties, and all different parties. They are all so kind, they are all so sweet, and being around people that encourage you to be better is so amazing,” Remolina said.
BGS is a nonpartisan organization that promotes nonpartisan governmental, patriotic, and civic objectives carried out through interactive learning. Every year, the collective is split into a nationalist and a federalist party, where the students are then able to build party platforms based on policies that matter to them, irrespective of democrat or republican platforms.
Melissa Boyers, campaign process team leader, said that focusing on the functional aspects of government helps BGS provide nonpartisan education.
“They plan their party politics and build their platform. We teach them the process of government and we don’t get bogged down by issues, because sometimes issues can be very polarizing, and we want them to learn how the process works.”
State auditor candidate Alysia Aldea said that she ran for her position because her auditor in her home county misspent thousands of taxpayer dollars. Aldea also said that while she understood the emphasis on practical education, that it could feel limiting to be discouraged from prioritizing certain issues.
“At some level, [nonpartisanship] is helpful for people who are not used to government functioning or understanding general policies, but at the same time it is a little restrictive to have to stay away from certain political topics because it disengages people from actually having real life confrontations on issues that are really important,” Aldea said. “I am excited to talk to new people. One of my goals coming here was to meet people that are politically active … It’s really hard to get young people involved in politics, and we need change in the world.”
Boyers said that she has noticed some bipartisan issues being brought up amongst the cohort more than others.
“Both parties are very interested in mental health issues. This generation is interested in mental health, especially with bringing it to schools at younger levels, like elementary or junior high, they want mental health issues brought up. They are also talking about AI, and how to use it constructively, and not use it to where you are going to get in trouble without plagiarizing.”
During Tuesday’s debate, both issues were mentioned, along with women’s menstrual health, domestic violence prevention, women’s voting access and women’s safety.
The second candidate for governor, MyQuella Lipkins, shared that she thinks people aren’t voting because they are not educated on government functioning.
“That’s why people don’t vote nowadays, it’s because they don’t know enough,” Lipkins said. “I’ve always wanted to know more about how the government works because in a year or two I will be allowed to vote.”
Lipkins said that young people are becoming more engaged in response to real government decision making.
“A lot of young people are starting to pay attention more because they are seeing the negative impacts of electing the wrong person or not making informed decisions.”
Olivia Laubis, candidate for county judge, said that she chose the program to help her decide if she would like to go into politics.
“I chose BGS because I want to go into political science. I am thinking of being a public advocate or a public defender for nonprofit organizations, or a public analyst. I wanted to know if that’s what I really want to go into, because I was stuck between political science and cosmetic science.”
The week-long intensive schedules the girls from flag-raising at 7:15 a.m., until after dinner hours, where each day’s itinerary involves workshops, peer collaboration and special events.
Laubis also said that throughout the week, she has found tenacity in the program’s rigorousness.
“I might be complaining about my feet hurting, or about how hot it is, or how I am sweating, I really do love all the girls here. Every single girl I have met has made me smile so big,” Laubis said.
Talluri said that the conference should be respected as a program where girls can expect to put in long hours of hard work.
“It is like boot camp. We are running around all day, and we are in heels, and we are in suits … morning to evening. It’s a lot, but it’s worth it.” Talluri said.
Dell said that the most rewarding aspect of working with Buckeye Girls State is watching each young woman grow into a stronger leader, ready for bright days ahead.
“The most rewarding thing is that we are developing future leaders. These ladies are going to go on to be our future government officials,” Dell said
On Wednesday, June 10, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose will announce elected winners. For the rest of the week, the girls will be paired with industry professionals to gain firsthand experience in government careers.
