High school juniors learn about the inner workings of government at Girls State
OGDEN — Each year, the Utah Catholic Woman’s League provides scholarships for Catholic high school juniors to attend Girls State to learn about the inner workings of the government at city, county, state and national levels. The week-long program is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary Utah.
“The pillars of a strong democratic society are faith, family and faithful citizenship. Catholic women’s groups, including Catholic Woman’s League, have promoted these values and have been active participants in legislative councils,” said Alexa Maland, a CWL board member who coordinates the scholarship program.
By offering the Girls State scholarships to students at the three Utah Catholic high schools, “CWL hopes that the girls can take advantage of this opportunity to become informed and active citizens,” Maland said. “As Catholics, we are obliged to work for the common good, be it in our private lives or in the public forum. Regardless of the career that our scholarship recipients will choose in the future, during this one week at Girls State they not only will have gained information but also learned life skills and leadership skills that will serve them well in fulfilling this obligation, and thus, in building a better democratic society.”
This year, seven girls attended Girls State on a CWL scholarship: Cecilia Tucker and Guadalupe Medina from Judge Memorial CHS; and Ari Bond, Campbell Jones, Kaylin Anguiano, Leona Smoll and Paige Howe from Saint Joseph CHS. They joined more than 300 girls from high schools around the state for the weeklong program.
“All of the girls who attended are already very much involved in building a better society through their volunteering, and in participation in student government,” Maland said. “They are also keenly aware of social issues facing our state and nation and the world. Some are looking forward to careers in health and law where they will also be active citizens. They all have strong leadership qualities.”
Those attending Girls State earned three college credits in political science and were awarded scholarships to Weber State University, should they choose to attend college there.
The Intermountain Catholic asked some of the Utah Catholic high school participants about their experience at Girls State. Their responses follow.
Guadalupe Medina, JMCHS Class of 2026
What did it mean for you to participate in Girls State?
Participating in Girl State meant so much to me. It truly was a privilege to learn about our state government in a hands-on way that isn’t often covered in schools. Federal power tends to overpower the state government due to social media and publicity. Girls State gave me a new perspective on how impactful state and local government really is, and highlighted the importance of civic participation.
Why did you decide to apply for this program? And how did it make you feel when you received the scholarship?
If it weren’t for a close friend mentioning Girls State I wouldn’t have applied. I am immensely grateful for her. But she isn’t the sole reason why I attended Girls State. I saw Girls State as a chance to grow – to learn about our state government, enhance my leadership skills, and to come out of my comfort zone.
When I received the news that I was a scholarship recipient, I couldn’t believe it. I was filled with this sense of pride that my hard work had paid off. Not only for me, but also as a way to honor the sacrifices my parents made to support me. I am forever grateful for the Catholic Woman’s League for making it possible. This experience has been a gift and I will forever carry it with me.
Why do you consider it important for young women to get involved in learning about democracy and government?
Now more than ever it is crucial for young ladies to be informed about democracy and government because, in today’s day and age, information can be exaggerated or outright false to gain public attention, especially in politics. This is why women should be educated on these matters. If women are educated in this area, they will have the knowledge and ability to aid, empower and uplift other women. The information learned should not be gatekept, but it should be shared widely because true change only happens when we work together and uplift each other.
How do you plan to implement your Girls State experience at Judge?
Girls State allowed me to push out of my comfort zone in many aspects, ranging from forming new friendships, public speaking or going to meetings while sleep-deprived. It taught me that growth happens when we are uncomfortable. I plan to carry this new mindset in my work with Latinos Unidos, an affinity group at Judge Memorial that strives to share and celebrate diverse Latin American cultures. Girls State reinforced the importance of leadership and the role it plays in building a strong and inclusive community. I want to bring that energy into everything I do.
Kaylin Anguiano, SJCHS Class of 2026
What did it mean for you to participate in Girls State?
Coming from a family of immigrants, my parents instilled in me a deep appreciation for patriotism and the value of civic engagement. They ensured I had every opportunity to learn about and participate in the democratic foundations of this remarkable country. Attending ALA Utah Girls State profoundly deepened my sense of patriotism and community. It also ignited my passion for debate, as I had the chance to participate in a mock trial for the first time. Through this experience, I formed meaningful connections with peers who supported me throughout each election, ultimately helping me earn the role of Mock Trial Attorney General for my county. Girls State was a transformative once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – one that gifted me with lasting friendships, new experiences and a stronger sense of identity.
Why did you decide to apply for this program? And how did it make you feel when you received the scholarship?
This program offered unique opportunities and invaluable learning experiences that I could not have found elsewhere. I originally applied with the hope of expanding my knowledge and finding a sense of community, but I quickly discovered that it was so much more than I anticipated. Through ALA Utah Girls State, I gained a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by our veterans and the immense courage it takes to serve in a public office and for this country. When I was selected to attend, I felt immense gratitude for the sacrifices my parents made that allowed me to pursue this opportunity. I was both honored and excited to be chosen, especially knowing that many other deserving girls had applied but were not accepted. That awareness motivated me to make the most of every moment and resources the program offered. Receiving the scholarship was also deeply meaningful as it provided not only financial relief but also a profound sense of encouragement, reminding me that there are people who genuinely believe in my potential.
Why do you consider it important for young women to get involved in learning about democracy and government?
I believe that as women we hold the potential to drive meaningful change, much of which stems from the resilience we build through the challenges we face daily. Despite our progress, women remain underrepresented in many areas of the government. As we come of age, we become role models for the next generation, and it is vital that young women recognize the power of their voices and the importance of their civic participation – whether that means casting a vote for the first time or boldly running for office. Our perspectives are not only valid but essential to shaping a more inclusive and representative democracy. ALA Utah Girls State has shown me that women of all backgrounds, especially those from underrepresented communities, are empowered to lead. I believe women and diversity in leadership strengthens our nation by ensuring that decision-making reflects the full range of American experiences.
How do you plan to implement your Girls State experience at St. Joseph?
I intend to carry the leadership skills I developed through ALA Utah Girls State into my time at Saint Joseph’s by actively using my voice to advocate for myself and others. This experience taught me that meaningful change begins with the courage to stand up because if you don’t, no one else will. My understanding of leadership has been transformed through this program, as I’ve come to value not just initiative and responsibility, but also the power of friendship, mutual support and community. These lessons have deeply influenced how I view service and leadership, and I plan to apply them in student government during my senior year as I work to uplift and represent my peers with integrity and purpose.
Leona Smoll, SJCHS Class of 2026
What did it mean for you to participate in Girls State?
I had the best time at ALA Girls State. At the beginning of the program, I was skeptical of the things I would learn, but by the end I was sad to leave. I met some of the most smart, talented and strong young girls, who are our future leaders, and I learned lessons that I will carry through life.
Why did you decide to apply for this program? And how did it make you feel when you received the scholarship?
The confidence instilled through all of us for the week is indescribable. I applied for the program because I would like to pursue a career in law, government and politics, and I thought that it would be a good fit for me. When I received the scholarship, I felt proud of myself. I think that now, more than ever, it is important for young women to engage in politics because of the civil unrest around the world, and in our country.
Why do you consider it important for young women to get involved in learning about democracy and government?
Using our voices is important, but turning our voice into action is the only thing that will help the world. My time at St. Joseph has taught me the importance of faith, hard work and dedication.
Cecilia Tucker, JMCHS Class of 2026
What did it mean for you to participate in Girls State?
To me, participating in Girls State was an experience of democracy, girlhood and patriotism. Learning about the system in our country is so important and vital, especially now when our history is being erased. The girls I met will be my friends for life, even if months or years pass before we see each other again. From our Girls State song to our city chant, there is a strong community of powerful women that feels incredibly special, something that others don’t often experience.
The biggest change that Girls State brought to my life was my sense of patriotism. I felt so disconnected and hopeless regarding our country and political system before attending Girls State that I couldn’t even stand up for the Pledge of Allegiance during school. But learning about those who fought and died for our freedom made me want to place my hand over my heart. Not for where our country stands now, but for what we fought for and continue to fight for.
Why did you decide to apply for this program? And how did it make you feel when you received the scholarship?
I decided to apply for this program because I want to make a difference now more than ever. I’ve talked with adults today about our country, and they tell me that the youth are the only ones who can change our future. We have a responsibility to guide those below us toward a free nation, and I knew this program would help me achieve that. I was thrilled to receive the scholarship, which allows me to fulfill my responsibility.
Why do you consider it important for young women to get involved in learning about democracy and government?
It’s so important that we understand how democracy plays a role in our government right now. We need to know this especially because our rights are slowly being taken away, returning to what they used to be. If women don’t understand how our government works, it might change without us ever knowing it.
How do you plan to implement your Girls State experience at Judge?
I plan to implement my newfound patriotism during school hours. I want to ensure that other women are aware of the current issues and how we can choose future careers to advocate for younger women.
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