Students from Laurence Manning Academy, Manning High School, Scott’s Branch Middle/High School and C E Murray High School who attended Girls or Boys State this past summer were honored at a dinner held on October 2.
After being introduced to the guests, each student was given the opportunity to express what the experience had meant to him or her. The ladies went first, introduced by Alison Baggette of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 68.
“I had a great time. I ran for a couple of offices and ended up as Environmental Officer. It was a blast. I was able to write rules and laws, and our city took over the hallways. I never got to write anybody up, though,” said Elizabeth McInnis, a student at LMA. “I had an amazing week. I made a lot of lifelong friendships. I had an amazing opportunity to meet a bunch of new people I never expected to meet.”
“Like Elizabeth, I ran for several offices. But I ended up being appointed gas chief, and with that you don’t really do a lot. But with all my girls, I made such amazing friends,” said Anna Mueller, a student at LMA.
“I can definitely say I learned a lot from Girls State. Whether it was about the government or life lessons in general, I can easily say I took something from each of the speakers we had,” said Madison Sexton, a student at MHS. “Girls State means so much to me. I’ve wanted to go since I was little. My sister went and my brother went to Boys State. It’s always been a dream of mine. I’m extremely grateful and I thank everyone who was involved with giving me this opportunity.”
“Girls State was something I looked forward to my entire life. I was convinced if the board didn’t pick me, I would spend my own money. I had to go,” said Heather Varn, a student at MHS. “I ran for mayor and lost. I ran for county council, but unfortunately, I used a prop, so was disqualified. I ran for senate and was chosen to be a senator. Because of that, I got to go and sit in the Senate at the State House. The girls that went to the Senate got to write their own laws would actually be considered for real legislation in the State of South Carolina. It was the best fun I ever had. I was terrified and scared out of my mind, but I had a really good time in my life.”
“The Girls State motto is that it will be a week that will change your life. And it did. I got there and made amazing friends. I still talk to them today. They were some wonderful girls I bonded with. They supported me, and I became Mayor of my city. I also ran for Senate and was a senator,” said Anna Bench, a student at MHS. “This all taught me a lot about the process of voting, and everything was very realistic. It was awesome to go through. It was an amazing experience in general, and I would do it all over again so many different times. I’m very thankful to have been afforded the opportunity.”
“The other girls said they ran for a lot of offices. I did too. I didn’t win anything, but it did give me a lot of confidence when it came to public speaking. It was just a great opportunity,” said Destiny Williams, a student at C E Murray. “When I first got there, I was so nervous. I did not know what to do. Heather was the first person who greeted me, and she was just so nice, and so were the other girls. For the first time, I felt like I could open up and be myself around a bunch of amazing girls. It was just awesome.”
“There were a lot of personalities and never a dull moment. I learned a lot about government, and I also pushed myself outside my comfort zone with public speaking. I promise you, this is not my strong suit,” said Summer Barrett, a student at MHS. “I ended up with the title of Vice Chairman of my county party, where I was able to meet people outside of my city. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to go, and it’s something I’ll never forget.”
“Girls State was an amazing place. I met a lot of new people, some of whom I talk to today. I learned a lot about public speaking and about government,” said Letia Davis, a student at Scott’s Branch. “It also opened up a lot of scholarship opportunities. I’m getting letters from lots of school who mention that I went to Girls State.”
The girls then sang the Girls State song, a video of which can be seen on Manning Live.
Unfortunately, four students could not attend: Adriannah Johnson from Scott’s Branch High School, Marie Joyner and Shanyia Gamble from Manning High School and Anne Land Welch from Wilson Hall.
The gentlemen were up next, introduced by Roger Marlowe, Commander of American Legion Post 68.
“It’s a whole lot of personalities and sometimes there were clashes, but it was a really fun week. I ran for Mayor and lost by one vote, because I didn’t vote for myself. I didn’t know you could vote for yourself,” said Jonathan Baltzegar, a student from MHS. “I also ran for Superintendent and did not win. But I got appointed by the Mayor of our city. It was a committee you debated on, and it was really fun. I want to thank the American Legion Post 68 for sending me and my parents for allowing me to go.”
“I ran for Mayor and lost. I ran for County Superintendent of Education and lost. I figured with my parents and two of my grandparents being teachers, I’d have a good edge. I had a good speech, but the other guy was way better,” said Jack Owens, a student at MHS. “I had a lot of fun at Boys State and made a lot of new friends. I think what I learned the most is that all kinds of people can come together and just become brothers in just a week.”
“Boys State isn’t something you can really explain to someone. It’s something you have to experience,” said Matthew Burgess, a student at MHS. “It was a great experience, and I’d wanted to go for a long time. My dad went in ’89 and my brother in 2014. I got to continue it. One thing I’ll remember most is the last night at graduation, the Director of Boys State said the mountains could be overcome. That stuck with me. Remembering that helps get you through stuff.”
“Boys state definitely brought me out of my comfort zone. I’m definitely not a public speaker,” said William Alec Ridgeway, a student at MHS. “I did meet a lot of fun people with different personalities. I want to thank the American Legion for giving me this opportunity.”
“I was honestly dreading going to Boys State up until the day of going. But on Friday night, we were all sitting around eating pizza, crying our eyes out that we all had to go home the next day,” said Wyatt Fleming, a student at LMA. “I have memories that will stick with me for the rest of my life.”
“I’m actually terrified of public speaking, but Boys State brought me out of that. I remember running for Senate, sitting there before my speech wondering why I’d agreed to do it. But I got through it and it brought me out of my comfort zone, which was really great,” said Joshua Pack, a student at LMA. “I can’t thank the 68th enough for the opportunity.”
“It’s hard not to say anything similar to anyone else. I figure we had the same experiences. It was weird at the beginning, and toward the end, everyone got together, and we all became really good friends,” said David Way, a student at Scotts Branch. “Boys State was a life changing experience, and if I could go back, I would.”
“Boys State was an amazing and unforgettable experience. We went from a group of boys to a group of brothers. It was tough that first day, but that last day meant something to all of us,” said Amonte Brown, a student at Scotts Branch. “I’m just proud to be a part of this organization, and it really means a lot.”
The boys then sang their own version of a song, which may also be seen on Manning Live.
Unfortunately, Joharie L. Goodwinn III, a student at Laurence Manning academy, could not attend.
“Before we close, I’d like to thank the people who are here,” said Marlowe. He went on to thank the parents for their support of the students in allowing them to attend and for being at the banquet. He thanked the guidance counselors who assisted with the process of selecting candidates and choosing students.
Marlowe thanked the principals of the schools for attending. He then thanked the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Manning Rotary Club for supporting the Girls and Boys State efforts. He thanked the Auxiliary for their efforts in decorating and ensuring a meal was prepared and finished with thanking anyone else who had a part in the process.
“We thank you. It takes all of us coming together to make it happen. We just thank you, each and every one,” said Marlowe.
