Katelyn White, a 17-year-old junior at Easton Junior/Senior High School, was a delegate at the 2017 American Legion Auxiliary Dirigo Girls State, held at Husson University in June 18-23.
The Dirigo Girls State program has four major objectives: to develop leadership and pride in American citizens, to educate citizens about the system of government, to instill a greater understanding of American traditions, and to stimulate a desire to maintain our democratic government processes. It is a nonpartisan program teaching responsible citizenship.
It also provides the opportunity to learn how state, county, and local government works from town meetings to election of officials. Girls are randomly assigned to one of three parties. Each party develops their own platform to present to the delegates.
White’s weeklong experience was busy, as delegates were fully immersed in a mock government from registration to the graduation ceremony on Friday evening. She was a member of the town of Democracy, along with 16 other girls from all over the state.
White had decided to make the most of her Girls State experience and opted to run for governor. She took out nomination papers and gave a speech to her party and was elected as the nominee out of five candidates winning their primary elections. Her campaign slogan for the rest of the week was “Get it right, vote for White.”
A delegate from Mt. Blue High School, River Lisius, was elected governor, and White was appointed the governor’s counsel to serve as an adviser to the new governor-elect. This allowed her to attend House and Senate sessions, who worked on bills submitted through the governmental process.
During her week, White sang with the Girls State Chorus, and also was selected for a smaller group of 10 singers who performed at the inauguration and graduation.
She was chosen most outstanding girl in her town of Democracy and was second outstanding girl overall at Girls State, out of 209 girls who attended. She was the alternate to Girls Nation.
White will start her senior year this fall. She is an honor student and is actively involved in many groups and organizations at Easton High School. She also is an advanced member and junior coach with the Northern Maine Figure Skating Club. She loves music and is a member of the Presque Isle Wesleyan Church worship team, playing the piano and offering voice harmony. She is active in Aroostook Teen Leadership Camp and enjoys mentoring younger students in becoming active leaders.
She is the daughter of Bruce and Elaine White of Easton. The Easton Pattee Page Post 187 Ladies Auxiliary sponsored her this year. She will speak at the Happy Days Club on Thursday, Aug. 24.
Library Resumes
The Community Library will resume Saturdays at the Easton High School Library from 9:30 a.m. until noon.
Story time, from 10 to 10:30 a.m., is geared for toddlers/pre-K to grade 3; children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult.
The library will be open to the community on Saturday, Aug. 5.
Easton Recreation Schedule
Wednesday, Aug. 2 – Field Trip to County Fun Day at Birch Point, St. David, with area recreation departments. Bus leaves at 8:30 and returns at 3:30. There will be water fun, bounce house, volleyball, playground time and more. The ice-cream truck will also make an appearance. Flotation devices and water toys strongly encouraged. Open to grades 1 and up; must be able to swim to attend this trip. Non-swimmers are welcome with an adult.
Thursday, Aug. 3 – Day Camp at the Hall from 9-12. Breakfast and lunch will be served. We’ll be celebrating our final day of day camp for this summer with The Aroostook Medical Center and Wintergreen Arts Center. Open to grades 1 and up; younger children welcome with an adult. Free. Also: archery camp at 12:15 & 1:30 in the Elementary School Gym; and free swim trip to the Fort Fairfield pool from 12:30-3:15. Must be able to swim to attend without an adult.
Friday, Aug. 4 – Swim lessons from 9:30-11:15 at the Fort Fairfield pool. Bus departs from/returns to the Hall. Playgroup at the Hall from 11:15-12:30.
Sunday, Aug. 6 – Softball games at 5:30 and 6:30 .
Monday, Aug. 7 – Art camp, 9-11 a.m. Free swim trip to the Fort Fairfield pool from 12:30 to 3:15. Must be able to swim to attend without an adult.
Tuesday, August 8 – Art camp, 9-11 a.m. Tee-ball, 6-7 p.m. Softball make-up games starting at 5:30.
Hillary Hallett is the correspondent for Easton. She can be reached by sending an e-mail to: hillary_jt@myfairpoint.net or calling 551-7737.
