Marlie Hatton and Cameron Bell spoke at the Rotary Club about their time at Missouri Girls and Boys State which is held each year for students entering their senior year. The event is held at Lindenwood University - St. Charles and is in its 84th year.
The Rotary Club sends one girl and one boy to State. Cameron Bell had the opportunity to attend Boys State. He had the privilege to be on the City Council and voted on several city ordinances. He also attended a commerce class where he learned about business in America and how the economy works together as a whole.
"This opportunity given to me by the Rotary Club was amazing and I can't thank them enough," stated Bell. "I learned a lot about government and how it works."
Marlie Hatton attended Missouri Girls State also held at Lindenwood University this past summer.
She discussed her time at Girls State with the Rotary Club as they sponsored her to attend.
"I mentioned how I was in the school of Journalism and media because I plan to minor in journalism in college," stated Hatton. "I was in Covington City in the county of Price. I was the city's treasurer and I also ran all the finances for MGS Journalism team. I was on my county's council where I voted on different laws and such."
She got to meet Governor Mike Parson which she felt was pretty amazing and got to hear so many great speakers throughout the week.
Her city actually had three state officials speak by the end of the week, the Governor, Secretary of State, and State Treasurer. They also had some senators.
"This experience was truly life changing and I will forever recommend everyone going into their senior year to do this," commented Hatton. "I also got to meet some people that I know will be lifelong best friends. I just will forever be grateful that I got to go and experience everything there. There was a lot to offer and I took full advantage of experiencing everything there. I only got 4 - 5 hours of sleep each night, but it was truly rewarding."
"The experience that the Rotary Club gave me was amazing and I can't thank them enough," concluded Hatton..
