3 OA students attend Hoosier Girl State

Program teaches civic engagement

(OLDENBURG, Ind.) -- Three Oldenburg Academy students attended the week-long Hoosier Girl State this summer.

The program is designed to empower young women with a comprehensive understanding of civic engagement, leadership skills and a rewarding educational opportunity.

The three students were Amelia Crawford, Lauren Richards, and Claire Walke.

Senior Lauren Richards said the program “was jam-packed with different elections, activities, and rallies. I made new friends, wrote speeches, campaigned, and ran my county's party meetings.”

During her time, Richards crafted a bill and, while it did not pass as legislation, the process gave her a thorough understanding of city, county, and state government

Senior Amelia Crawford acknowledged that Hoosier Girls State gave her “the chance to realize the diversity of Indiana, to make friends with people on the other side of the state, and to be more confident.”

Crawford was elected to the House of Representatives and was able to write a bill and debate other legislation.

Oldenburg Academy's Government teacher Charlene Weberding encourages students to attend Hoosier Girl State every year.

"The Oldenburg Academy students' participation in Hoosier Girl State demonstrates the school's dedication to providing its students with opportunities that extend beyond the classroom," said OA communications specialist Elizabeth Schulte.