Dexter, Missouri - Six young ladies had a once in a lifetime chance to attend Missouri Girls State 2013 held on the University of Central Missouri's Campus in Warrensburg, Missouri.  Attending this year were Sara Mouser, Alison Jarrell, Riley Rickman, Mollie Whitehead, Kendra Stevenson, and Reale Cook.

Each summer local organizations contribute to make it financially feasible for select girls who have completed their junior year in high school to attend Girls State.  The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors the event where the girls live together as a self-governing citizens and may run for public offices at the city, county and state levels.  They are also involved in fundraising, running for office, election processes, sponsoring bills and follow the process of guiding a bill into law.

"They have a greater understanding and appreciation of their roles as American citizens," stated Dee Wamble, American Legion Auxillary Unit #59 Girls State Coordinator.  "Also this endeavor could not be made possible without the contributions of local service organizations."

Kendra Stevenson is the daughter of Kay Stevenson of Dexter.  She is ranked in the Top 10% of her class and is a member of both the tennis and softball Bearcat teams.  She is a member of Rotary Interact, Future Teachers of America, Children of the American Revolution and the Bernie Church of Christ.  Kendra is in the Dexter Honor Society as well and plans to pursue a degree in forensic science and later a law degree.

At Girls State Kendra served on the City Central Committee and was appointed Clark City Attorney.  She was later elected as Davidson County Prosecuting Attorney.  The Dexter Rotary Club was the civic organization who contributed to her attendance.

Mollie Whitehead is the daughter of Jonathan and Kristi Whitehad of Dexter and she plans to attend college and pursue a degree in nursing.

She is an avid basketball player performing with the Lady Bearcat Basketball team and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  Mollie is also a member of Future Teacher of American an attends Liberty Hill General Baptist Church. 

While at Girls State she served as a delegate and served on the State Central Committee.  "I made friendship that will last a lifetimes.  Girls State taught me how to be a leader, have confidence in myself, and realize that my opinion and my voice are very important."  Her attendance was made possible through the Dexter Lions Club.

Judge Miller quoted at the inauguration, "There are two ways to spread light; to be the flame, or to be the mirror that reflect it."  "That quote will be one I will never forget." stated Miss Whitehead.

Alison Jarrell is the daughter of Dennis and Paula Jarrell and attends First United Methodist Church.  She carries several sports awards including having been named to the All Conference Basketball team as well as All Region and All District teams.  She was also named the Best 3-Point Shooter by the Sikeston Standard Democrat.

Miss Jarrell is a Dexter Honor Society Member, FCA and FBLA student member.  Her plans after high school are to obtain a degree in athletic training then attend a physical therapy program and earn her doctorate.

At Girls State she served on the County Council Committee as well as the State Council Committee.  Her attendance was made possible by the Dexter Kiwanis Club.

Riley Rickman is the daughter of Tony and Robin Rickman of Dexter.  She is a member of the Dexter Lady 'Cats Softball team where she has earned the 2013 Softball MVP and held the highest batting average on her team.  She also received the I Dare You Leadership Award.  She is a member of STUCO, Dexter Honor Society, FTA and Top 10%. 

She plans to attend Murray State University following high school.

Riley served on the City Council at Girls State for the city of Adreon.  She was sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary of Dexter.

Sarah Mouser is the daughter of Eric and Pam Mouser of Dexter.  She is a member of the South Pleasant Valley General Baptist Church.

She is also a member of FCA, FBLA and Dexter Honor Society.  She plans to attend Missouri State University and hopes to teach elementary students.

Sarah served on the State Committee as a Girls State attendee and her contributor was the Dexter Elks Lodge #2439.

Reale Cook is the daughter of Shannon and Karen Cook.  She is a member of Honors Choir and Dexter Show Choir.  She is also a member of FHA, FCCLA, Cheerleading, Dance Team, and Cadet Teaching.

At Girls State she became an election official and resided int he city of Cockrill.  Her attendance was made possible through the Stoddard County Real Estate Board.

Congratulations to all of these ladies as they further their education as seniors at DHS this year.  We look forward to your latest accomplishments.

If you would like to read more about Missouri Girls State just follow the link at www.misourigirlsstate.org.