For those of you who don’t know, one of your very own Lady Knight are chosen annually to represent Arroyo at Girl’s State, and this year, your very own President, junior, Kim Pham will be attending this summer at Claremont College in Pomona.

   “Ms. Gonzales-Hernandez called me to the office and informed about Girls State. I didn’t exactly know what it was, but I have heard of it before,” said Pham, “I’m really excited, anxious, nervous, and don’t exactly know what to expect, but I’m sure it will be a great experience.”

   According to the American Legion Auxiliary Department of California Girls State Program, “Girls State is a citizenship development program, which will help them understand how our present system of government functions. The purpose of Girls State is to teach our young leaders more about our priceless American heritage and to help awaken a keen appreciation of the privilege and individual responsibilities of American citizenship. Our hope is that each of them will return to your school next year and share the knowledge and experience with their fellow students. The Girls State Program is one, which invites active participation by all girls in a ‘learning by involvement’ environment in which they learn while setting up your own cities, counties, and a mythical state. They will be running for office, enacting City and Country ordinances, preparing party platforms and passing legislation. In essence, they will perform all duties of our regular elected officials.”

   Pham was chosen based upon her leadership, involvement with the school, grade point average, and overall dedication. She is currently President of ASB, Vice President of Choir, and Commissioner of Junior Class Council.

“500 girls come together, experience what a government is like and how it is ran,” said Pham, “We also experience the college dorming life. When I get there, I’d like to run for mayor or something. Once I hear the process of the elections, I’ll start on my campaign.

On Sunday, May 4th, Pham and her parents dressed up to attend the American Legion Tea Party in Pasadena. Information was given to the all the chosen candidates and their parents.

Although summer school will be taking place during Girls State, Pham will be excused for a week, but before she returns, the Girls State American Legion requests a mandatory talent show performance. All Girls State participate must perform.

“I’m planning on singing, not sure what song yet. The talent show will be on the last night of our stay at Claremont,” said Pham.

This year, Girls State will be held in the summer on June 22nd-29th.

Sea Pong has been chosen to represent Arroyo at Boys State, held at Cal State Sacramento June 21-28. “I was surprised, I didn’t know exactly what Boys State was, but after I found out I thought this was a pretty good experience,” said Pong. Being chosen out of hundreds of students is an honor. It takes a lot of hard work, effort, and trust for teachers to pick you.