2009 Girls Nation Opening Convocation

Lorenda S. Lawrence

From the Department of Louisiana

National Assistant Girls State Director 2009

Girls Nation is fortunate to have many distinguished guest this year.

Mary "Dubbie" Buckler with Indiana Senator Cori Stewart (left) and Indiana Senator Allison Feikes (right)

Mary "Dubbie" Buckler, National Secretary/Executive Director, American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters visited the Girls Nation Senators Saturday and Sunday. "Dubbie" is proud to have served as the Federalist Party Chair, years ago, at Hoosier Girls State. She addressed the opening convocation and spoke on how fortunate that only 98 girls nation wide are selected to attend this prestigious program every year.

Barbara Stone (MD) with Maryland Senator Kathleen Mullen (left) and Senator Comfort Mudoh (right)

The Girls Nation program is housed in the National 4-H Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland each year. Vice President of Partners Operations of the National 4-H Council, Barbara Stone addressed the opening convocation.

Sara Coffy (SC) with Junior Counselor Libby Boerger, South Carolina Senator Annie Konduros, South Carolina Senator Laura Gamble, Junior Counselor Leacy Burke (left to right)

Sara Coffy is the Development Director for the National Philharmonic Orchestra based in Bethesda, Maryland. Sara attended South Carolina Girls State and Girls Nation in 2001 and returned to Girls Nation in 2003 as a junior counselor.

Open Eyes and Open Hearts

Kaitlin Babbitt - NV

Spring Valley Community

When my brothers got the Popsicle that I wanted or I lost my new toy, my mom would simply smile and tell me that sometimes life isn't fair.

Today, that lesson moved me to tears.

I'm sure that 100 girls and some odd counselors were a sight to be had in our glorious pink uniform shirts, holding red carnations and trekking through the humidity to a sacred ground: the 9-11 Memorial at the Pentagon.

Yet, people soon saw our purpose as flowers were placed on the benches remembering the 184 people who died September 11, 2001 at that site.

Numerous flowers were placed on the very first bench; however, one that memorialized the youngest victim of this attack: 3 year old Dana Falkenburg. As one of the first people to see her memorial, I immediately thought of all that I had seen and experienced at that age: imagination, wonder, and lots of food.

I wondered what this little girl had experienced, loved, and cherished. I also reflected upon some of her final moments, with tears in my eyes.

At only three years old, precious Dana had seen more hatred and fear than most of us ever will. She, an innocent child, was assumed as the target of these terrorist attacks. I cannot imagine what she and her family had to go through during their last precious moments on this Earth.

With my head bent, I apologized to the little girl, explaining that the world was not horrible, yet she was not given enough time to figure that out for herself. I told her that I didn't understand why she, an innocent, sweet little girl, had to die. I thanked her for her courage and for her sacrifice.

Among the other people memorialized at the Pentagon, three were related to Dana. Her sister, Zoe, was my age, and would never experience high school graduation, prom, our having a family of her own.

On September 11, 2001, 184 people sacrificed their lives for our country and for our freedom, without being asked or volunteering. They were put into a situation that was beyond their control, helpless during their final moments here. This brings to light the lesson that sometimes life isn't fair, yet we must go forward with open eyes and open hearts.

I am eternally grateful to all that sacrificed their lives that day.

Miss Doris

Doris Lafontaine- CT

Senior Counselor

Rockville

Today was a wonderful day. We went to the Air Force Memorial and the 9-11 Monument. These two sights were out of this world.

The National Party Girls are wonderful all seem to have listen and learned things at there own Girls State.

I am having a great time myself.

From the Directors Chair:

Mary Davis- WA

Girls Nation Director

Here we go again, the latest and greatest of the Government of Girls Nation. Elected to lead the Federalist Party as Floor Leader was Senator Talley Gale (AR) and for the Nationalist Party, Floor Leader, Senator Kate Miller (NE). Directly after the election of Floor Leaders the selection process for Whip was held. Running for Whip of the Federalists Party were Senator Emily Meade (NH); Senator Kaitlin Babbitt (NV); Senator Jody Hoiten (SD); Senator Jaimie Ermak (DE); Senator Jessica Salley (LA); Senator Steph Winsor (MN); Senator Madison Riethman (OH); Senator Kerstin Caesar (RI). Those selected as Whips for their respective parties included Federalists Senator Meade (NH) and Nationalists Senator Moffitt (RI). Also selected as the Reporter for the Senate, Senator Ava Goepfert (AK). Senator Goepfert is responsible for keeping the Senate apprised of current real world news as the Senators concentrate on the business at hand of the Senate. Currently the Senators are working in committees. Until later...

From the Directors chair:

Mary Davis- WA

Girls Nation Director

Hi Girls Nation followers, The Senators are busy this morning filling the positions necessary to run the Federalist and Nationalist Parties. I had the pleasure of listening to the candidates for Floor Leader of each party speak to their specific strengths to lead. Running for Floor Leader of the Federalists Party, the party in power, were Senator Violet Li (OH); Senator Kaitlin Babbitt (NV); Senator Gable Brady (TX); Senator Steph Winsor (TX); Senator Annie Konduros (SC); Senator McKay Cambell (WA); Senator Talley Gale (AR); and Senator Kerstin Caesar (RI). Candidates for Floor Leader of the Nationalist Party included Kate Miller (NE); Victoria Lopez (NM); Olivia Cook (KY); Alicia Dair Esquer(AK). The elections are taking place as I type. Stand by for the results later. Next the Whips for both parties will be selected and this morning Keynote speaker candidates will via for that position. That's the latest from Girls Nation this morning. Stay tuned for more. Remember check out the American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation web site which, hopefully, will be updated today. Also find the Senators on Twitter and Facebook. Until later...

Greetings from Chevy Chase, Girls Nation

Roxanne Hiatt
Senior Counselor
Chevy Chase

Good Morning. It is Monday morning and we are all settled in. Yesterday was beautiful weather and the trip to Arlington and the WIMSA Memorial was smooth and enjoyed by everyone. The community of Chevy Chase is well and thriving. There were some elections yesterday and our own Olivia Tyrrell was elected President Pro Tem of the Senate. She is from North Dakota. Congratulations, Olivia! All bills were presented in committee by their sponsors.


Today we look forward to more time in the Senate and a trip to the Air Force and Pentagon Memorials. Busy, Busy! More later.

Ecumenical Service

Norma Tramm - Minnesota
Reflections Chairman


With a blue sky overhead and a beautiful sunny day, the senators reverently assembled at the Arlington National Cemetery Amphitheater. Many thanks to the Senators that participated in the Ecumenical Service. Senator Cumbest of Alabama, Senator Crabtree of Idaho, Senator Kirby of Arkansas, Senator Asay of Utah, Senator Winsor of Minnesota, Senator Goepfert of Alaska, Senator Mills of Tennessee, Senator Baumgardner of Kansas, Senator Murjani of Florida, and Senator Meyer of North Dakota. What a great opportunity to gain an insight to the differences and commonalities of some of the religions represented at Girls Nation. With over 20 different religions and a limited time frame it was only by chance that the senators were chosen for this assignment. The Girls Nation Choir sang "In Flanders Fields". The harmony was marvelous as their voices blended in song. It was wonderful to hear the many compliments on the choir's performance after the service. "The music was beautiful" -- "You could really hear the harmony" -- "They sounded Fantastic". Even people standing outside the Amphitheater made comments on the singing -- "They sounded like angels". A huge thank you to the nearly 30 members of the Girls Nation Choir for taking the time to share their wonderful talent. We look forward to more musical gifts as the week progresses. I would also like to compliment Senator Jeanel Mouelle, Minnesota for the inspiring prayers at the convocation on Saturday night.