Embedded Files
78th SESSION - University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD
2023 ALA SD Girl State Orientation - Local Version.pdf2025Information-Sheet.pdfTimeframe:
January, Information will be emailed to all Junior girls. Forms available below as well as printouts in the HS office. An informational meeting will be held at the school January 2026 TBA.
Fill out the
ALA SD Girls State Delegate 2026 Statement of Interest Form (has you type a brief statement about why you would like to attend ALA SD Girls State and how you could make use of this experience in future years.) and
ALA SD GIRLS State 2026 Delegate Pre-Registration Form. Be sure to put a check mark in either ALA Girls State Delegate Applicant or Journalism City Delegate Applicant. If you are not selected for Journalism City, you can still be a Girls State Delegate.
Statement of Obligation to Unit signed by Girls Stater Delegate and Parents
Submit all paperwork to the Garretson High School Office NLT January 31. (forms found below and in packets available at the office after our meeting at the school). Be sure to have your parents sign. FYI: Journalism City--14 are selected state wide. If you are not selected you can still apply for Girls State.
February 1 Auxiliary Unit #23 reviews candidate essays. (Selectees notified approximately mid March.) Registration packets sent.
March 1 All forms completed and received by Registrar along with all fees (pd by Auxiliary). Note: if you choose not to attend after having been accepted and your scholarship fee of $175 paid, you will need to find an acceptable substitute or reimburse the unit for the scholarship cost.
April 1. Once they receive your pre-registration form, you will receive an email from tiffany.french@k12.sd.us (personal) or gstate@usd.edu (ALA SD Girls State Official email) instructing you how to complete your online registration process. Please use your school email as your primary email and monitor it on a regular basis because unless you complete the online registration you will not be able to attend. This email will also be used for all communication prior to the session.
Orientation Meeting TBA Date and place has not been set yet.Plan for 90 minutes-refreshments will be provided.
May 24 Travel to University of South Dakota in Vermillion and commence ALA SD Girls State
May 28 Return home after a wonderful experience at Girls State!
Below are some registration forms and info.
It is important to know that the Garretson Auxiliary sponsors your attendance ($175). If you choose not to attend and there is no alternate, the delegate is responsible for reimbursing the unit. (GIrls State Obligation to Unit Form above must be completed)
Who is eligible to attend ALA Girls State?
The delegate has finished her junior year of high school and has at least one semester of high school remaining.
Have high moral character, strong leadership abilities and above average scholastic standing.
Demonstrates DEFINITE INTEREST IN AMERICAN GOVERNMENT.
Attend the FULL session of ALA. NO permission will be granted to attend other activities during the session.
It is important to know that the Garretson Auxiliary sponsors your attendance ($175). If you choose not to attend and there is no alternate, the delegate is responsible for reimbursing the unit.
A Brief History of ALA SD Girls State
Back in the depression ridden days of the early 30s, the American Legion grew concerned over public statements to the effect that Democracy was "on the skids." How, it wondered, could America train its young people in the processes of self government as effectively as Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany seemed to be training their youth in the totalitarian forms of government. Deciding the best way to learn was by practicing it, American Legionnaires began, in 1935, gathering teenage representatives together for a few days each summer in a citizenship training program on the processes of city, county and state Government. They called it "Boys State." As the program succeeded and spread throughout the United States, the American Legion Auxiliary began a similar program for girls. Thus "Girls State" was authorized in 1937-38, and is now established in 50 Departments in our Nation.
American Legion Auxiliary South Dakota Girls State was founded at Mitchell in 1947. It met regularly each year on the campus of Dakota Wesleyan University until 1985, when it was moved to the campus of South Dakota State University, Brookings. In 2002, the program was moved to the University of South Dakota, Vermillion. It is under the sponsorship of South Dakota Department of the American Legion Auxiliary. From an enrollment of 117 girls in 1947, ALA SD Girls State has grown to its present enrollment of over 400 girls.
2025 Garretson Girls Staters
2025 Garretson Girls Staters
Gracie Fiegen, Brooklyn Jacobson, Elizabeth Roth and Brooklyn Trudeau will represent Garretson Auxiliary Unit #23 at Girls state this year!
Gracie Fiegen, Brooklyn Jacobson, Elizabeth Roth and Brooklyn Trudeau will represent Garretson Auxiliary Unit #23 at Girls state this year!
2024 Garretson Girls Staters
2024 Garretson Girls Staters
Jade Bertotti, Eliza Potter and Cortney Rogich will represent Garretson Auxiliary Unit #23 at Girls state this year!
Jade Bertotti, Eliza Potter and Cortney Rogich will represent Garretson Auxiliary Unit #23 at Girls state this year!
2023 Garretson Girls Staters
2023 Garretson Girls Staters
Adisynn Fink, Adair Hanisch, Hannah Frewaldt, Jordyn Williams and Sydney Olson will represent Garretson Auxiliary Unit #23 at Girls State. 1st picture at awards night pictured below are Hannah Frewaldt, Sydney Olson and Jordyn Williams.
Adisynn Fink, Adair Hanisch, Hannah Frewaldt, Jordyn Williams and Sydney Olson will represent Garretson Auxiliary Unit #23 at Girls State. 1st picture at awards night pictured below are Hannah Frewaldt, Sydney Olson and Jordyn Williams.
Girls state 3 of 5 at Chicken and Corn Feed, August 4
Sydney Olson, Adi Fink, Hannah Frewaldt speaking and thanking the Auxiliary for sponsoring them.
2022 Garretson Girls Staters
2022 Garretson Girls Staters
Raegen Altman, Logan Bly, Morgan Damman, Chloe Flahaven, Grace Hove, and Anna Jones will represent Garretson Auxiliary Unit #23 at Girls State.
Raegen Altman, Logan Bly, Morgan Damman, Chloe Flahaven, Grace Hove, and Anna Jones will represent Garretson Auxiliary Unit #23 at Girls State.
What one of our girls staters had to say about her experience: "Going into Girls State I was definitely unsure of what to expect but I think that's the best part because everyone is thrown into the same situation and we are all unsure of what to do which made us work as a team to accomplish our goals. I knew I wanted to branch out and meet new people, so I didn't spend any time with my classmates from Garretson unless it was saying hi in the halls. I was put into the city of Miami where I knew absolutely no one, but made friends almost immediately because everyone is so welcoming. I was not planning on running for any high offices until the girls in my city encouraged me to. My first election was for mayor of Miami which I won. This was probably my favorite office to hold because of how close I was to the girls in my city. We even choreographed a skit for the talent show but we didn't make it past auditions which is funny to joke about now. We then had county elections where I ran for county auditor, but that position was more for show so I didn't actually have to do anything with it. After that campaign, I decided to run for governor which is the highest position at girls state. You had to collect a number of signatures from other girls in your party to run for governor and no one could sign a ballot twice so even getting enough signatures was an accomplishment. I ended up not winning our primary for governor but still had to go on stage and answer a random question in front of everyone like a pageant. I was very proud of myself for getting up on stage and doing that in front of everyone even if I didn't win. I then ran for President Pro Temp of the Senate which I ended up winning so I was in charge of the senate and lead meetings which is also a pretty big deal and I really enjoyed it because I got a gavel and felt official. My favorite law we passed in the Senate was to have Shrek on the one dollar bill instead of George Washington. I think you get as much out of Girls State as you put into it. I learned a plethora of information about our local and state government because I pushed myself to run for those positions and meet new people even if it made me nervous or I had to stay up with my new friends until 1 making posters for my campaign. I hope to take all of my knowledge I gained from the experience and bring it into college where I'm looking into studying law and politics! But most importantly, I hope to keep nurturing these friendships I made at Girls State because I really did meet some of the most astounding girls in one place that all wanted to learn, grow, and get involved in our government and being around those types of women inspire me to try even harder. Those are the type of people I want in my life to push me past my comfort zone and I'm so appreciative for Girls State for bringing them into my life."
2021 Garretson Girls Staters
2021 Garretson Girls Staters
Jaelyn Benson, Madison Decker, Lauren Fick, Morgan Pierret, Erin Steen and Mataya Trower will represent Garretson Auxiliary Unit #23 at Girls State. Mataya Trower will represent Unit #23 at Journalism City. This is our first girls stater attending Journalism City! Joy Fry has also been nominated to attend Girls State and will represent a different unit.
Jaelyn Benson, Madison Decker, Lauren Fick, Morgan Pierret, Erin Steen and Mataya Trower will represent Garretson Auxiliary Unit #23 at Girls State. Mataya Trower will represent Unit #23 at Journalism City. This is our first girls stater attending Journalism City! Joy Fry has also been nominated to attend Girls State and will represent a different unit.
Girls State 2020--canceled due to CoVid19
Girls State 2020--canceled due to CoVid19
The following girls applied: Mattea Fiegen, Caroline Hoskins, Peyton Hove, Molly Hulscher, Madden Lardy, Lizzie Olson
This year’s delegates will receive a certificate of achievement and will be invited to a banquet in the fall of 2020 to celebrate their accomplishments. The girls will also have the option to enroll in and complete the State and Local Government course through remote learning.
“While no one wanted this cancellation, the health and safety of everyone, from delegates to counselors and speakers, must be our top priority,” said David C. Earnest, chair of the University of South Dakota Department of Political Science and W.O. Farber Center. “Girls State is about leadership and service to community. This year, the best service we can provide our delegates and community is to avoid unnecessary risks.
2019 Garretson Girls Staters
2019 Garretson Girls Staters
Aftyn Heitkamp, Rachel Kindt, Madisen Nordstrom, Nobel Nothstine, Riley Altman, Jayden Clark, Aliah Lymon, not pictured Angel Larson and Geraldine Frye.
2018 Garretson Girls Staters
2018 Garretson Girls Staters
Emily Erickson
2017 Garretson Girls Staters
2017 Garretson Girls Staters
Madison Northrup, Emily Malsom, Victoria Lippert (German exchange student)
Others attending: Caitlyn Trower, Amayah Ockenga, Becca Wieland, Myranda Folland
2016 Garretson Girls Staters
2016 Garretson Girls Staters
Macy Bohl, Kindra Clark, Brandy Greenhoff, Kaley Flanagan, Grace Homer
2015 Garretson Girls Staters
2015 Garretson Girls Staters
Peyton Heitkamp, Lara Luke, Jaden Bly
2014 Garretson Girls Staters
2014 Garretson Girls Staters
Bailey Willems, Brianna Mudder, Lydia Olson
2013 Garretson Girls Staters
2013 Garretson Girls Staters
Kaitlyn Thorson, Mikayla Gilbert, Hope Goode, Kara Ellefson
2012 Garretson Girls Staters
2012 Garretson Girls Staters
Cassidiy Powell, Casey Matthieson
2011 Garretson Girls Staters
2011 Garretson Girls Staters
Taylor Clark, Lindsey Etrheim, Aryn Holleran, Baylee Johnson, Lindsey Luke
2010 Garretson Girls Staters
2010 Garretson Girls Staters
Morgan Ellefson, Erica Ode, Lindsey Fiegen, Miranda Borstad
2009 Garretson Girls Staters
2009 Garretson Girls Staters
Angela Schultz, Kayli Stensland, Kayla Wieskus
2008 Garretson Girls Staters
2008 Garretson Girls Staters
Mirian Perryman, Sally Nussbaum, Sarah Nussbaum
2007 Garretson Girls Staters
2007 Garretson Girls Staters
Bobby Jo Cauwe, Rebecca Linneweber
2006 Garretson Girls Staters
2006 Garretson Girls Staters
Dawn Hentges, Leah Stensland, Darcy Sievert
2005 Garretson Girls Staters
2005 Garretson Girls Staters
Brandi Pierret, Stacy Stoterau
2004 Garretson Girls Staters
2004 Garretson Girls Staters
Lindsey Sievert, Sarah Hanson, Mandy Ellefson
alt. Naomi Albers
2003 Garretson Girls Staters
2003 Garretson Girls Staters
Nicole Etrheim, Lucinda Albers
alt: Brittany Nussbaum
2002 Garretson Girls Staters
2002 Garretson Girls Staters
Amanda Jacobson, Melisssa Lyngen
alt: Connie Junker
2001 Garretson Girls Staters
2001 Garretson Girls Staters
Lacy Cooper, Dena Christensen
alt: Holly Smith
2000 Garretson Girls Staters NONE
2000 Garretson Girls Staters NONE
1999 Garretson Girls Staters
1999 Garretson Girls Staters
Patricia Winterton, Kimberly Koch
1998 Garretson Girls Staters
1998 Garretson Girls Staters
Jody Liester, Erica Quissell
alt: Angela Irvine
1997 Garretson Girls Staters
1997 Garretson Girls Staters
Mandy Nesheim, Sherry Happel
alt: Bobbie Bennett
1996 Garretson Girls Staters
1996 Garretson Girls Staters
Amy Liester, Angela McClain
alt: Amanda Machmiller
1995 Garretson Girls Staters
1995 Garretson Girls Staters
Julie Clark, Rebecca Engebretson
alt: Sara Engelbrecht
1994 Garretson Girls Staters
1994 Garretson Girls Staters
Sally Liester, Wendy Pierret
alt: Tina Nesheim
1993 Garretson Girls Staters
1993 Garretson Girls Staters
Susan Happel, Jamie Stiefvator
alt: Jennie Willems
**SUSAN HAPPEL--GIRL'S NATION ASSOC. JUSTICE SUPREME COURT
1992 Garretson Girls Staters
1992 Garretson Girls Staters
Shawn Quamen, Victoria Dubbelde
alt: Kristin Sylliaasen
**VICTORIA DUBBELDE GIRL'S NATION ASST. GENERAL CRIMINAL DIVISION
1991 Garretson Girls Staters
1991 Garretson Girls Staters
Laura Anderson, Valerie Frerk
alt: Jessica Barg
1990 Garretson Girls Staters
1990 Garretson Girls Staters
Rhonda Jensen, Tammy McClain
alt: Susan Hammer, Carin Dorsman
1989 Garretson Girls Staters
1989 Garretson Girls Staters
Nicole Nussbaum, Nicole Hermanson
alt: Lisa Bonte
1988 Garretson Girls Staters
1988 Garretson Girls Staters
Michelle Frerk, Carla Dorsman
alt: Cathy Engebreton
1987 Garretson Girls Staters
1987 Garretson Girls Staters
Lisa Nussbaum, Susan Hokenstad
alt: Becky Andrescik
1986 Garretson Girls Staters
1986 Garretson Girls Staters
Mary Engebretson, Lori Lundquist
alt: Theresa Schwab
1985 Garretson Girls Staters
1985 Garretson Girls Staters
Tammy Biever
alt: Gennie Haggerty
1984 Garretson Girls Staters
1984 Garretson Girls Staters
Janice Martens
alt: Elizabeth Johnson
1983 Garretson Girls Staters
1983 Garretson Girls Staters
Julie Hillestad
alt: Melanie Stoltenberg
1982 Garretson Girls Staters
1982 Garretson Girls Staters
Susan Lowe
alt: Nancy Olson
1981 Garretson Girls Staters NONE
1981 Garretson Girls Staters NONE
1980 Garretson Girls Staters
1980 Garretson Girls Staters
Darcy Plahn
alt: Julie Martens
1979 Garretson Girls Staters
1979 Garretson Girls Staters
Lori Engelbrecht
alt: Beverly Julson
1978 Garretson Girls Staters
1978 Garretson Girls Staters
Deborah Davis
alt: Susan Garry
1977 Garretson Girls Staters
1977 Garretson Girls Staters
Kay Selland, Nancy Nussbaum
alt: Laurie Johnson,Sharon Frevik
1976 Garretson Girls Staters
1976 Garretson Girls Staters
Loretta Schneider, Judy Hove
alt: Kristi Winterton, Carol Heesch
1975 Garretson Girls Staters
1975 Garretson Girls Staters
Beth Engebretson, Lois Brandt
alt: Karen Quamen, Ruth Bjorneberg
1974 Garretson Girls Staters
1974 Garretson Girls Staters
Becky Wick, Pamela Julson
alt: Karen Erickson, Carol Johnson
1973 Garretson Girls Staters
1973 Garretson Girls Staters
Sue Bly, April Schreurs
alt: Colleen Posey, Kathy Dubbelde
1972 Garretson Girls Staters
1972 Garretson Girls Staters
Dawn Froseth, Debbie Sundem
alt: Lurene Bonte, Jill Plahn
1971 Garretson Girls Staters
1971 Garretson Girls Staters
Julie Docken, Mable Johnson
alt: Michelle Miller
1970 Garretson Girls Staters
1970 Garretson Girls Staters
Marelen Braa, Linda Koch
alt: Becky Frerk
1969 Garretson Girls Staters
1969 Garretson Girls Staters
Jane Selland
alt: Jean Liester
1968 Karen Hatlestad
1968 Karen Hatlestad
alt: Shirley Winterton
1967 Garretson Girls Staters
1967 Garretson Girls Staters
Carmen Foster
1966 Garretson Girls Staters
1966 Garretson Girls Staters
Mary Johnson
alt: Alice Winterton
1995 Garretson Girls Staters
1995 Garretson Girls Staters
Paulette Johnson
alt: Dixie Hollister
1994 Garretson Girls Staters
1994 Garretson Girls Staters
Arlys Nelson
alt: Mary Donavon
1963 Garretson Girls Staters
1963 Garretson Girls Staters
Pamela Nordstrom
alt: Barbara Plahn
1962 Garretson Girls Staters
1962 Garretson Girls Staters
Judy Tveiddt
alt: Glenda Biddle
1960 Garretson Girls Staters
1960 Garretson Girls Staters
Diane Etreim
alt: Susan DeSchepper
1959 Garretson Girls Staters
1959 Garretson Girls Staters
Linda Williamson
alt: Rozella Larson
1958 Garretson Girls Staters
1958 Garretson Girls Staters
Sharon Plahn
1957 Garretson Girls Staters
1957 Garretson Girls Staters
LaVonne Karli
1956 Garretson Girls Staters
1956 Garretson Girls Staters
Janet Hoven
1948-1955 Garretson Girls Staters None
1948-1955 Garretson Girls Staters None
**1st**
1947 Garretson Girls Staters
1947 Garretson Girls Staters
Waneta Froseth
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