When Bianca Davis of Indianapolis was elected governor at the 70th Hoosier Girls State recently, she affirmed her schoolmates’ advice when they told her she should be involved in government.
“You should see me in school – always debating, very political,” Davis said. “It feels really good. I’m very excited; I’m very proud to be elected to this position.”
Her running mate, Emilee Larson of New Palestine, also took pride in her elected position of lieutenant governor.
“It feels amazing. Just being elected in front of 600 girls like that, it’s a feeling that can’t be described,” Larson said.
Nearly 600 girls from across Indiana were on Indiana State University’s campus last week to learn more about political and government structure by forming a fictitious 51st state. Delegates participated in various government exercises and elected officials from Nationalist and Federalist parties.
Davis, daughter of Kevin and Wilena Davis of Indianapolis and a student at Ben Davis High School, thinks this honor reinforced her already-enthusiastic perspective towards politics.
“I was very interested and passionate about politics,” Davis said. “On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d say my passion for government is a 9 or a 10. Really high.”
When asked about the possibility of studying law or politics, Davis was optimistic.
“It’s definitely a possibility,” she said, “I’m keeping my options open, because it’s something I’ve always loved.”
Larson, daughter of Jan and Diane Larson of New Palestine and a student at New Palestine High School, came to Girls State for an educational experience.
“To be honest, before I came to Hoosier Girls State, I was not very interested in politics, but I’m leaving with a better understanding of politics and a better appreciation for it.”
The American Legion Auxiliary of Indiana sponsors Hoosier Girls State with the purpose of educating a select group of young women on the duties, rights, privileges and responsibilities of citizenship.
Also elected to positions were:
- Secretary of State – Laura Peng, daughter of Shengbin Peng and Wenzhen Ma of Carmel, is a student at Carmel High School.
- Auditor – Hannah Thielmeyer, daughter of Rich and Lisa Thielmeyer of Greenwood, is a student at Center Grove High School.
- Treasurer – Katlynne Dickerson, daughter of Dr. Stephen and Laurie Dickerson of North Vernon, is a student at Jennings County High School.
- Attorney General – Ruby Perez, daughter of Maria Perez of Hobart, is a student of Hobart High School.
- Superintendent of Public Instruction – Heather Pittman, daughter of Paul and Susan Pittman of New Albany, is a student at New Albany High School.
