By Gwen Carter
Juniper City Reporter
Today at Girls State we had the pleasure of hearing from Starry Hopkins and Paris Long, the two amazing senators that were chosen last year to be a part of Girls Nation.
This is a great accomplishment, in that only two get chosen out of the multitude of talented young ladies that attend. This was extra special for me because one of these young ladies, Starry Hopkins, is from my very own school.
When I saw the way, she lit up talking about her experience here I knew I had to experience it for myself. She not only encouraged me to attend Girls State but to run for mayor of my city, Juniper. Thanks to her encouragement I am now the Mayor of my city!
I deeply enjoyed hearing of both these ladies’ experience at Girls Nation. Learning about their adventures through the capital was amazing, from meeting our senators to exploring the monuments of D.C.
After hearing their testimonies, I am certainly considering of applying for Girls Nation, even though I did not even consider it before. These girls have both been true role models and I hope to accomplish as much as they did while here.
(Left to right) Michelle Afoniou, Starry Hopkins, Gwen Carter. (Photo courtesy Gwen Carter)