Four Perryville High School students attended the annual Missouri Girls State event held June 11-18 at Lindenwood University in Columbia. They are Mariah Bauwens, Lydia Chotrow, Jaelyn Kennedy, and Megan Kluender. The delegates were sponsored by Moonier-Reddick Unit 133 of the American Legion and partner organizations.
Girls State is a youth seminar on Americanism and government that is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. The weeklong non-partisan program teaches the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of American citizenship. Participants are generally organized into functioning cities of a mythical state and assume the role of government officials at all levels. They draft and debate bills in a mock legislature.
Mariah is the daughter of Brian and Shannon Bauwens and was sponsored by the Post 133 Sons of the American Legion. At PHS, Mariah is a member of the band, National Honor Society, and FBLA. She is involved in competitive dance. Mariah has earned the Above and Beyond Award, and Academic Excellence Awards, and is on the honor roll.
Lydia is the daughter of Vernon and Mandy Chotrow and was sponsored by the Bank of Missouri. At PHS, Lydia is a member of the Silver Daggers Drama Club and the National Honor Society. She is on the honor roll and has received Academic Excellence Awards in English and writing.
Jaelynn is the daughter of Caitlin Chandler and Christopher Kennedy and was sponsored by the American Legion Booster Club. At PHS, she is a member of National Honor Society, Spanish Club, and is the secretary/treasurer for Student Council. She has earned the Student of the Month Award, Academic Excellence Awards, and is on the honor roll.
Megan is the daughter of Jason and Dana Kluender and was sponsored by Unit 283 of Imperial. She is a member of the band, and National Honor Society. She has received the Perfect Attendance Award, and Academic Excellence Awards in geometry and health.