Submitted photo More than 200 rising high school seniors are attending Girls State on the campus of Davis & Elkins College this week.

ELKINS – Davis & Elkins College is welcoming members of the American Legion Auxiliary Rhododendron Girls State to the school’s campus this week.

More than 200 rising high school seniors will be in attendance for the session which will run through Saturday, June 13.

The week-long summer event, which began at 1 p.m. on Sunday, will feature, among a wealth of exciting activities and learning opportunities, keynote speeches from several state officials and distinguished guests.

West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito; West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner; State Treasurer Larry Pack; West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey; retired Fire Chief Jan Rader; Warrior Project Pearl founder Jay Trickett; Girls State Leadership chair Rebecca Farley, and the West Virginia Army National Guard will be addressing the students, among others.

“It’s always a highlight of the year to welcome Rhododendron Girls Sate to Davis & Elkins College,” Kate Garlick, D&E College Dean of Students and Assistant Director of Girls State, said. “It’s inspiring to see these young women build confidence, find their voice, and step into leadership roles.

“Rhododendron Girls State plays an important role in fostering civic engagement and helping these young leaders understand the impact they can have in their communities. We are proud to support their experience and look forward to the impact they will continue to make.”

The students, who will become “citizens” of Girls State, will be immersed in educational sessions, focusing on government and participating in party caucuses. By forming a mock government, those in attendance will also learn about election processes, allowing for opportunities to file for office, campaign, attend candidate speeches, vote and participate in inauguration ceremonies.

Candidacy for citizenship of Rhododendron Girls State is recommended by students’ respective high schools, based on their interest in government, leadership, character and honesty, community participation and knowledge of parliamentary procedures.

“Providing civic education and reinforcing pride in our democratic ideals is at the heart of Rhododendron Girls State, and Davis & Elkins College is proud to host this annual program,” said D&E President Chris A. Wood. “For the past several years, in partnership with the American Legion Auxiliary, we have welcomed hundreds of high school senior females from across the state.

“These young ladies have been identified as exemplary citizens and leaders who will shape our future government and society. This transformative week for these participants serves as a microcosm for the transformative educational experience that occurs on this campus throughout the year.”

Among the many positives of attending Rhododendron Girls State are the scholarship opportunities. The citizen elected Governor of Rhododendron Girls State will receive a one-time $500 Governor Scholarship Award, and one citizen, selected based on their involvement in the week-long program, will receive the one-time $500 Star Leadership Scholarship Award.

A select citizen of Rhododendron Girls State will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship and entered for a chance to win a $20,000 scholarship from Samsung with the Samsung Scholarship. Additionally, Davis & Elkins College awards all Rhododendron Girls State attendees a scholarship of up to $5,000 annually to attend D&E.

Established in 1941 under the sponsorship and direction of the American Legion Auxiliary Department of West Virginia, Rhododendron Girls State is a premier experiential hands-on program that focuses on citizenship and patriotism, develops leadership and pride in American citizens, educates citizens about government and stimulates a desire to maintain democratic processes within our republic.