Saturday, June 1, 2013
OK Girls Stater - Friday edition
The final (Friday) edition of the 2013 OK Girls Stater is now available. Click here to read it.
5/31/13-6/1/13
Friday, May 31st, 2013
Day six of Girls
State began with the State Officials taking their Oaths of Office from our 2012
Governor Zoe Cummins. Next, the delegates split up. The House of
Representatives and the Senate reconvened to debate bills and decide
which bills would be passed and move on to the Oklahoma State Capitol. Moot
Court also began during this time. Delegates came before the Supreme Court,
Court of Civil Appeals, and the Court of Criminal Appeals to plead their case.
The remaining delegates took a free tour of the Fred Jones Museum of Art.
After lunch, former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh spoke with the girls about the importance of women in office and how he made "OKLAHOMA!" the state song. This was his 62nd consecutive year to come to Girls State. Due to the impending severe weather, the remainder of the evening was spent in the dorms and the evening activities were cancelled. At about 9:00p.m., we finally received the all-clear and the girls returned to their dorms. Most delegates spent the remainder of the evening bonding with their cities.
After lunch, former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh spoke with the girls about the importance of women in office and how he made "OKLAHOMA!" the state song. This was his 62nd consecutive year to come to Girls State. Due to the impending severe weather, the remainder of the evening was spent in the dorms and the evening activities were cancelled. At about 9:00p.m., we finally received the all-clear and the girls returned to their dorms. Most delegates spent the remainder of the evening bonding with their cities.
Former Governor George Nigh
Moot Court
Saturday, June 1st, 2013
Our final day here at Oklahoma Girls State. The morning began with our closing ceremony. Jari Askins, former Lt. Governor of Oklahoma, spoke to the girls, after not being able to due to the weather on Thursday evening. The choir performed and outstanding citizen and city reporter awards were given. Finally, the Girls Nation Senators were announced. Congratulations to Blair Kloeppel and Adiba Khan on being chosen!
We would just like to thank you all for such a wonderful week. A special thanks also goes to the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary for their constant support of this program and to the staff, who volunteered a week of their time to make sure the delegates had the best experience. Thank you all!
We would just like to thank you all for such a wonderful week. A special thanks also goes to the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary for their constant support of this program and to the staff, who volunteered a week of their time to make sure the delegates had the best experience. Thank you all!
Girls Nation Delegates: Blair Kloeppel
and Adiba Khan
Closing Ceremony
Friday, May 31, 2013
OK Girls Stater - Thursday edition
The Thursday edition of the 2013 OK Girls Stater is now available. Click here to read it.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
OK Girls Stater - Wednesday edition
The Wednesday edition of the 2013 OK Girls Stater is now available. Click here to read it.
Day Five: Thursday
Thursday, May 30th, 2013
Day five
of Oklahoma Girls State began with the State Officials leaving bright and early
for a trip to the Oklahoma State Capitol, where they were privileged to
meet their counterpart in office. Later in the morning, the newly elected
Representatives and Senators met with Representative Joe Dorman and Ben Odom to
debate bills that the delegates had prepared prior to Girls State. These bills,
if passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, will be sent to
the Oklahoma State Capitol for overview and possible introduction.
While the Congresswomen were meeting to debate bills, the remainder of the delegates had two guest speakers. Representative Lisa Billy spoke first to the girls about rights and responsibilities. Afterwards, Diana Hartley, who is the Program Officer of the Sarkeys Foundation, spoke about how to make a difference.
Next, many non-profit organizations visited with the delegates. The OU Sam Noble History Museum brought some examples of their pieces in the museum, including a stuffed raccoon. Another organization, New Leash on Life Therapy Dog Program, brought Jack, one of their therapy dogs. It was a great opportunity for the girls to find out how they can get involved in so many different ways within their communities.
After lunch, the schedule took a slightly different course. Impending severe weather caused the case studies and courts in session to end early, and all of the delegates as well as staff were taken to Bizzell Library to seek shelter. For two and a half hours, the delegates were two floors below the ground coloring, talking, sleeping, but mainly bonding with their cities.
The weather also caused two of our speakers for the day to be postponed as well as our Inaugural Ceremony. However, after we were given an "all-clear", the delegates and staff walked to the Oklahoma Memorial Union Ballroom to eat the already prepared Inaugural Dinner.With the remainder of the activities for the day cancelled, cities decided to throw get-togethers, in order to bond and enjoy one of their last evenings here at Girls State.
Unfortunately, tomorrow is our last full day here at Oklahoma Girls State. But we have yet another exciting day, filled with speakers, such as Former Governor George Nigh, Moot Court, and the Girls State Olympics. Enjoy your last day here at Oklahoma Girls State delegates!
Reminder: Be sure to check out our Facebook page (Oklahoma Girls State), Instagram (@OKGirlsState), and our Twitter (@OKGirlsState) for more pictures and such of the delegates throughout the week.
Pictures from Thursday:
While the Congresswomen were meeting to debate bills, the remainder of the delegates had two guest speakers. Representative Lisa Billy spoke first to the girls about rights and responsibilities. Afterwards, Diana Hartley, who is the Program Officer of the Sarkeys Foundation, spoke about how to make a difference.
Next, many non-profit organizations visited with the delegates. The OU Sam Noble History Museum brought some examples of their pieces in the museum, including a stuffed raccoon. Another organization, New Leash on Life Therapy Dog Program, brought Jack, one of their therapy dogs. It was a great opportunity for the girls to find out how they can get involved in so many different ways within their communities.
After lunch, the schedule took a slightly different course. Impending severe weather caused the case studies and courts in session to end early, and all of the delegates as well as staff were taken to Bizzell Library to seek shelter. For two and a half hours, the delegates were two floors below the ground coloring, talking, sleeping, but mainly bonding with their cities.
The weather also caused two of our speakers for the day to be postponed as well as our Inaugural Ceremony. However, after we were given an "all-clear", the delegates and staff walked to the Oklahoma Memorial Union Ballroom to eat the already prepared Inaugural Dinner.With the remainder of the activities for the day cancelled, cities decided to throw get-togethers, in order to bond and enjoy one of their last evenings here at Girls State.
Unfortunately, tomorrow is our last full day here at Oklahoma Girls State. But we have yet another exciting day, filled with speakers, such as Former Governor George Nigh, Moot Court, and the Girls State Olympics. Enjoy your last day here at Oklahoma Girls State delegates!
Reminder: Be sure to check out our Facebook page (Oklahoma Girls State), Instagram (@OKGirlsState), and our Twitter (@OKGirlsState) for more pictures and such of the delegates throughout the week.
Pictures from Thursday:
The Boutwells at The Inaugural Dinner
The delegates at The Inaugural Dinner
Representative Lisa Billy & members of the Staff
The Senate in session
Girls State Governor Sydney Hendricks with Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin
Hare City celebrating Virginia Hare's 80th Birthday
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
OK Girls Stater - Tuesday edition
The Tuesday edition of the 2013 OK Girls Stater is now available. Click here to read it.
Wednesday May 29, 2013
Day 4 of Girls State was a very
exciting day. First off the Governor of Oklahoma, Mary Fallin, came to speak to
the girls. Then we broke out into State Conventions. The convention narrowed
down the candidates for state officials. There were such admirable speeches
given during that time. Later after lunch, we got to have Q&A time with the
candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Then we got to campaign again!
Although, the most fun-filled part of the evening for the girls was getting to
wear casual clothes and listen to the talent show. Before dinner all the girls
voted with their cities to elect the new officers. Then afterwards, we all
gathered in the forum to hear some amazing talents. While the Talent Show was
taking place, the election results were being tallied. The acts in the Talent
Show were truly astounding. Who knew that on top of being smart everyone was so
talented; from dancing to singing to juggling, you name it someone can do it!
Roughly halfway through the Talent Show, also known as Election Watch, the
results were in. Sydney Hendricks was elected to the position of Oklahoma Girls
State Governor and Macie Snowden was elected Lieutenant Governor. Tomorrow, the inauguration of our state
officials will be taking place as well as the meetings for the House and
Senate. Another exciting day lies ahead.
2013 Oklahoma Girls
State
B oomer Party Platform
The members of the Boomer Party of Oklahoma Girls State 2013 strive to
create a smarter, safer, and healthier Oklahoma with the following goals:
Create a
strong educational environment.
ü
Strengthen common education through reforms
ü
Establish higher standards for teachers with an
appropriate accountability system
ü
Provide proper training for substitute instructors,
including school safety measures
ü
Increase funding for education to allow for
improved teacher pay and other reforms
ü
Make college education more accessible by allowing
for adequate state aid for tuition
ü
Make graduation requirements the same across school
districts in Oklahoma
Prepare our
workforce for tomorrow.
ü
Provide greater opportunities for internships and
hands-on learning experience
ü
Allow for exploration of career options through
career-oriented curriculum
Provide a
safer state for Oklahomans today and future generations.
ü
Build adequate storm shelters for students and
provide safe places for those without shelter
ü
Increase funding for public safety officers and
first responders across the state
ü
Penalize texting and driving to protect our roads
and its passengers
ü
Encourage preventative measures to curb underage
drinking
2013 Oklahoma
Girls State
Sooner Party Platform
We,
the members of the great Sooner Party of Oklahoma Girls State 2013, are
committed to leading the Great State of Oklahoma into our second century. We
are dedicated to improving the lives of Oklahomans across the state, from our
smallest towns to our large cities. The
following is our declaration of priorities and values that will serve as our
guide as the Sooner Party focuses on Oklahoma’s future.
A
More Responsible & Responsive Government for a Stronger State Economy
« Oklahoma needs a strong economy to
thrive. Make responsible regulation and
government activity that seeks good information on issues and government action
a priority.
« Reevaluate the state tax structure,
including examining the Income Tax and Property Taxes, to ensure a fair and
efficient tax structure for our state.
« Evaluate the Minimum Wage in Oklahoma,
balancing the needs of workers and small businesses.
« Provide more responsible funding of
programs by the Government.
A
Safe, Healthy Oklahoma for all of our Citizens
« Focus on the safety of our citizens when
building new components of our state infrastructure, such as the consideration
of new power lines being placed underground to minimize damage and injury during
storms.
« Reform the healthcare system in Oklahoma,
especially for lower income citizens, providing care and accountability.
« Reform the Foster Care system in
Oklahoma, and adequately fund it, to give all children a safe place in which to
live.
« Promote responsible ownership and proper
use of guns.
« Promote responsible care and ownership of
animals in our state.
« Protect the rights of Individuals in
Oklahoma.
Modern,
Quality Education
« Education is important and the key to our
future. Our state should emphasize a
stronger focus on Education. Working to
improve the morale and motivation of students should be a top priority for our
schools and state.
« Ensure “End of Instruction Exam” policies
are improved and realistic.
« Eliminate “Teaching to the Test”
pressures currently harming our classroom instruction.
« In order to eliminate the feelings of
students that current electronic “End of Instruction Exams” are not reliable, restructure
the “End of Instruction Exam” procedures to allow tests to be taken on paper
rather than on computers.
« Ensure “End of Instruction Exams” do not
cut back on or affect normal class learning time.
« Oklahoma’s schools are diverse and each
area of our state has different concerns and needs. Government should consider the needs of
students and schools in both rural areas and in our cities, particularly in the
area of consolidation of schools.
« Balance Security Issues in our
schools. Keep our students safe, while
respecting the student.
« Fund storm shelters for Oklahoma schools
to ensure that all schools and students have adequate storm shelters.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
OK Girls Stater - Monday Edition
The Monday edition of the 2013 OK Girls Stater is now available. Click here to read it.
Tuesday, May 28th
Day 3 of Girls State began bright and early with our guest, County Commissioner, Brian Maughn who spoke to the ladies about what he has done in office. After he concluded, the girls headed to their County Conventions where they utilized Robert's Rules of Order and began hearing speeches from various candidates. After County Conventions, Lt Governor Todd Lamb came to speak to the girls about how great Oklahoma is and the need for them to stay here in order for their state to continue to grow. Following Lt Governor Lamb was Distict Conventions. The ladies continued hearing speeches and voting for their favorite candidates. After all votes were cast, Michelle Tilley Johnson, Arnella Karges, Joe Hartmann, and Kate Thompson arrived on campus to advise both the Boomer and Sooner Platform Committees on writing their party platforms. To wrap up this great day at Girls State 2013, Sarah Hummel taught the ladies a class on business etiquette, which will be extremely helpful in the future. Following Hummel was the 2012 Oklahoma Girls Nation Senators, Sophie Gibson and Libby Wuller. They presented a phenomenal slideshow and presentation to the girls about their time spent in DC last year. The girls have been busy campaigning all day and will continue tomorrow!
Monday, May 27, 2013
 |
| District Mixers |
 |
| City Mayors taking their Oath of Office |
5/27/13
Day 2 of 2013 Girls State was a very busy day! We started the day off by taking a huge group shot with everyone in it. It was a tight squeeze but it made for a great picture! Next the Girl Staters headed to their City Meetings to elect their City Officials. These elections took place all morning, and they gave the girls a chance to see how voting processes work. After lunch the girls met in their Districts to begin filing for State Offices and the City Officials took their oaths of office given to them by 2012 Oklahoma Girls State Lt. Governor Jade Rodriguez. Also, tonight at Girls State a very special story was told. The Poppy Story, told to the Girls Staters by past Department President Sue Heil. This story always has a humbling effect on our girls as it teaches us that freedom is not truly free. Thank you to all of our Armed Forces! We salute you! Tomorrow at Girls State we will have guest speakers County Commissioner Brian Maughan, Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb, and Tulsa City Council Aid Sarah Hummel. We look forward to some great speeches and hearing some great advice!
 |
| Current Department President Irene Clingenpeel and Past Department President Sue Heil with the Poppy Wreath, that our Girls Staters helped put together. |
Sunday, May 26, 2013
May 26th, 2013  |
| Girls State Education Staff |
The 71st Session of Girls State began today, and we are so happy to have all of the girls here at the University of Oklahoma! The Girls started their day off with check-ins, getting to know their Cities and learning Girls State songs in the Thurman J. White Forum Building. Girls State first Guest Speaker of the week, Rev. Lori Walke, spoke our Delegates about how as women we can make a difference in our communities and in our nation. The Junior Counselors put on a great Mike Time, showing the Delegates what is and what is not acceptable behavior at Girls State. Thanks for that awesome skit Junior Counselors! At the end of the day, Delegates met with their Cities to nominate their "soon to be" City Officials. Elections will take place tomorrow, and we wish good luck to all the candidates! Tomorrow Representative Emily Virgin will be coming to Girls State to speak our Delegates, also we will have the honor of having Sue Heil to tell our girls "The Poppy Story" in the evening.
 |
| Garman City Meeting |
 |
| Rev. Lori Walker |
OK Girls Stater - Sunday edition
The first edition (Sunday) of the 2013 OK Girls Stater is now available. Click here to read it.
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