Anderson to attend Girls State in June

Jaelin Anderson, a Minneota High School junior, has accepted an invitation from the American Legion Auxiliary to represent Minneota at Girls State.
This is the first time the Minneota Legion Auxiliary has had a Girls State representative in several years.
"Jaelin was very excited," said Auxiliary representative Sandy Josephson.
A notice about Girls State was posted on the school's website and it piqued Jaelin's interest. Students who apply must be a junior in high school this year. Joe Voit of Minneota will be attending Boys State at St. John's University.
"I remember my mom (Minneota High School Principal Heather Anderson) attended Girls State, so I decided to apply," Jaelin said. "My mom told me stories about how much fun she had and how many new people she met. She explained that they got to create a mock government, so she was able to learn about the different levels of government. These things interest me, so this is what persuaded me to apply."
Girls State will be held June 11-17 at Bethel University in St. Paul. The Auxiliary pays for the student's registration fee.
Jaelin, who is involved in softball, FCCLA, speech and National Honor Society at Minneota High School, said she is unsure about her future plans, but is interested in political science.
"I figure this would be a good way to explore a career in politics," she noted. "I am most excited about meeting the new people there and getting to know their thoughts and views on the government. I am excited to learn more about the different levels of government as we participate in creating a mock government. I also would love to make new friends."