Meggan Macomber and Allison Wagner, both of Caledonia, represented Unit #191 of the American Legion Auxiliary of Caledonia at Minnesota Girls State, held June 13-19 at Bethel College in Arden Hills, Minnesota. Minnesota Girls State is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Minnesota.

Meggan and Allison campaigned for office, participated in party platforms, caucuses, elected officials and passed legislation. Through these activities, the more than 400 participating young women learned together and lived together as self-governing citizens. Meggan held the position of City Recorder for her ìcityî and was a delegate for the caucus. She represented the ìFederalistî party. Allison was a Page for her ìcity,î was elected Councilman, and was the Chair for the caucus in her ìcity.î She represented the Nationalist party.

Among those addressing the participants during the week were Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty; Minnesota Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer; Norma Tramm from Cold Spring, State President of the American Legion Auxiliary; Rachel Smith, 2003 Minnesota Girls State Governor; 2003 Girls Nation Senator Paris Perkins of Minneapolis and Kendal Beer, 2003 Girls Nation President, of Ramsey, as well as Minnesota Speaker of the House Steve Sviggum; Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court Kathleen Blatz; President of the Minnesota State Senate James Metzen; Chief of Police Kim Coughlin of Crosby, Minnesota; and FBI Special Agent Kiann Vandenover.

Highlight of the week was the Inauguration of the Minnesota Girls State Governor Laura Roehl, and other State Constitutional officials on Thursday evening with Associate justice Helen Meyer, Minnesota Supreme Court, officiating. The Fourth District American Legion Auxiliary hosted a reception for the new Governor Laura Roehl, and the Minnesota Girls State citizens immediately following the Inauguration.

The Girls State citizens held Legislative session on the floor of the House and Senate at our Minnesota Capitol on Friday. The newly elected Governor, Laura Roehl, spoke to the Joint Convention of the House and Senate Minnesota Girls State members. The citizens also heard from members of the Executive Branch of Minnesota government.

The fifty-eighth session of Girls State came to a close on Saturday, following the presentation of pins and certificates and the announcement of award winners.

When asked what her favorite part of the week was, Meggan said, ìThe whole week was my favorite part. The camaraderie with the other girls by the end of the week was awesome.î She added that it gave her ìgreat insight into the workings of government.î

Meggan is the daughter of Walter and Rosine Macomber, and Allison is the daughter of Curt and Maureen Wagner, all of Caledonia.

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