Published: June 27, 2009 08:27 pm         

Hoosier Girls State honor those in military

TERRE HAUTE — Nearly 650 young ladies from across Indiana progressed through Hoosier Girls State Honor Day, offering their thanks to those who serve America’s military with a Blue Star Banner presentation.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with our soldiers and sailors always,” said Vickie Koutz, Hoosier Girls State director, explaining that this year the program also wanted to recognize the families of those who serve, those “who keep the home fires burning.”

This year’s theme was “Stars and Stripes Forever.”

As part of Saturday’s program in Indiana State University’s Hulman Center, the name, rank and service branch of participants’ families were read off and each was presented a Blue Star Banner. Delegates also brought in family-size comfort items for the families of service members.

Patriotic music was interspersed throughout the awards ceremony, as Alex Doctor, governor of Hoosier Girls State 2009, lauded the growth participants have made over the last few days.

“Here, there is no pretending. Here, there is no judgment. Here, there is only love and respect,” she said to applause.

Hoosier Girls State is an American Legion Auxiliary of Indiana program in which high school girls form a fictitious 51st state. Delegates create a working government from the city to state levels, electing officials to both government and political positions within their assigned Nationalist and Federalist parties.

About 650 girls about to enter their senior year in Indiana high schools attended the camp at ISU which ran June 21 through Saturday.

“Look out, world, because we have only begun to make our mark,” said Doctor, a Munster native and member of the Nationalist Party.

Each year, two delegates from Hoosier Girls State are selected to attend Girls Nation in Washington, D.C., a similar program performed at the national level. This year’s Girls Nation delegates are Allison Feikef of LaPorte and Cori Stewart of New Castle.

The Hoosier Girls State choir sang “Let There Be Peace On Earth” as Koutz offered parting words, reminding them to take pride in their accomplishments.

“My wish for you is that all of your dreams come true, whatever they may be, and that you have a great senior year,” she said.

Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.