Tar Heels Girls State

SALISBURY — Harold B. Jarrett American Legion Auxiliary Unit 342 endorsed five citizens who attended the 79th session of American Legion Auxiliary Tar Heel Girls State June 10-15 at Catawba College in Salisbury.

Attending this year’s session were:

• Elizabeth Ann Graeber. She is the daughter of Charlie and Lori Graeber and the granddaughter of Bud and Nan Graeber and Harold and Jan Snider of Salisbury. She is a rising senior at Salisbury High School, and a junior member of Harold B. Jarrett American Legion Auxiliary Unit 342. Elizabeth Ann is an active member of Junior Civitans, Key Club, Crosby Scholars, STEM Academy, the SHS varsity girls volleyball team and serves as vice president of National Honors Society. EA is active in many community activities as a volunteer for such organizations as Girls on the Run, Special Olympics and Prevent Child Abuse Rowan. Elizabeth Ann is reported that the most special thing about ALA Tar Heel Girls State was the motivation and love from all the women there, while the opinions were varied, the respect was constant.

• Rebecca Lewis. She is the daughter of Mark and Maria Lewis and is a rising senior at Salisbury High School. Rebecca is involved in many organizations including Junior Civitans, Anime Club, International Club, National Honors Society and marching band. She is a member of and volunteers for mission trips with the youth group at St. John’s Lutheran Church, as well as various other philanthropic organizations. Rebecca is also a 14-year veteran dancer of Steppin’ Out Dance Company and will be performing at Disney World with them over the summer. While at ALA Tar Heel Girls State, Rebecca served in the House of Representatives and stated that she enjoyed the debates along with the camaraderie with other women, and is happy that they all formed a family, encouraging each other to become better women.

• Ellen Simons. She is the daughter of George and Georgia Simons. She is a rising senior at Salisbury High School. At Salisbury, she actively participates in cross country, track and soccer during each of the seasons. Ellen is also an active member of Junior Civitans, Key Club, STEM Academy and National Honors Society. “Girl’s State was an incredible experience filled with meeting new people, participating in debates, and expanding knowledge of how government works. The most heartwarming part was making so many new friends that I will continue to keep in touch with, despite the distance. ALA Tar Heel Girls State was a special experience, because of the opportunity to work together with such encouraging and intelligent women,” she said.

• Olivia Dagenhart. She is the daughter of Todd and Samantha Dagenhart. She is a rising senior at Salisbury High School. While at Salisbury, she has participated in Junior Civitans, Key Club and varsity soccer and cheerleading. She has held the office of SGA class secretary for three years. She is currently the junior class national honors society president and Junior Marshall for the 2018 graduation. Additionally, she has been a Meals on Wheels volunteer for seven years and helps coach the Sacred Heart Catholic School cheerleaders.

• Kathryn VanHorn. She is the daughter of Tom and Renee VanHorn of Oakboro, and older sister to Kyle and Sarah. She is a rising senior at Gray Stone Day School in Misenheimer. Kate has played tennis and basketball at Gray Stone. She is a member of the National Honor Society Chapter, as well as a Peer Mentor for incoming freshmen students. Outside of school, she is very involved with Stanly County 4-H, currently serving as vice president and in the past has served as president and secretary of the Stanly County 4-H County Council.  She has also represented Stanly County in numerous county, district and statewide competitions, receiving numerous awards including being named as an N.C. Delegate at National 4-H Congress. She has danced at Albemarle Academy of Dance since the age of 4, performed in five performances of the Nutcrackers with the City Youth Ballet, and has recently earned the Paderewski Gold Medal from the National Guild of Piano Teachers of America by memorizing and adjudicating ten piano pieces for ten years for a Guild judge.

• Hannah Roberts. She is a rising senior of West Rowan High School, daughter of James and Anita Roberts, was also scheduled to attend, but due to emergency illness in family, Hannah was not able to do so, but is included in the Tar Heels Girls State family, and will be kept in our thoughts and prayers.

Top North Carolina government officials were among the distinguished leaders who will address ALA Tar Heel Girls State. In city meetings, attendees organize a local government. The development of two fictitious political parties including party platforms, campaigns, and conventions culminates with the statewide election of a slate of state officers. Parliamentary procedure is used to conduct all sessions, including legislative assemblies where bills and resolutions are drafted for the General Assembly.

The installation of officers, talent show and ALA Tar Heel Girls State Chorus are highlights of the week’s activities. ALA Tar Heel Girls State is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of North Carolina.