A Week to Change a Lifetime: Denise Elam.

This past June I had the wonderful opportunity to join over 800 other girls (including two from LHS) at Girls State 2013.

Girls State is a program that allows several students from various high schools all across the state (each state has their own program) to come together to create an imaginary government. Upon arrival the delegates are assigned a city and town and party, and soon they are thrown into a world where they can be anything they want to be – literally. Those who aspire to someday be Mayor or Attorney General or even Governor can create posters and slogans and meet new people and reel in the votes. Depending on your title, if you win the election you get to participate in mock trials and debates.

The week I spent at Girls State was a week full of non-stop activities, including a flag raising/lowering each day, a banner parade, a state fair, and, my personal favorite, listening to highly acclaimed politicians and businesswomen give speeches. Former Missouri Governor Roy Blunt was one of the speakers, as well as John Wright of the Missouri House of Representatives, Senator Claire McCaskill, and Governor Jay Nixon. Those interested in asking questions were allowed to do so, and it was a wonderful way to get real answers on the tough issues we are dealing with today. Delegates also have the opportunity to receive college credit from the class of their choosing that they must attend during the program. One day at Girls State felt like more like five, especially if you stayed up until almost three in the morning playing games and eating chips on your last night with the girls in your city.

When I first heard that Girls State would be all about government, I wasn’t sure it was something I wanted to do. Sure, I’d learned about it in school, but it just wasn’t something I was interested in at the time. I’m so glad I went because I left Girls State knowing so much more about Government than I ever had before. I even got to sit in the Missouri House of Representatives and debate bills. I left with lifelong friends, one of whom wasn’t even from this country (21 delegates were from China). I also left with a stronger sense of self; a stronger belief that all that I aspire to be I can be.

I’d encourage anyone who wants to have a Week To Change a Lifetime to check out a Girls (or Boys) State program in your area. You won’t regret it.

P.s. FED RED!!

P.p.s. BLAIR FLARES!

This Summer: Roberta Hatmon.

This summer was the best one I have had so far. In the summer of 2013 I have had a fun time hanging out with friends and family, I also had a chance to go to Tennessee to visit my sister and help babysit her wonderful daughters (my neices) Sophia, Semaiah, and Sharon while my Sister Sarah and my Brother-in-law Fred helped with the teens at their church camp. Also while having such a great summer i was able to hold down a job as a crew member at Hardee's of Lebanon. I can honestly say that i absolutely love my job and the people that i work with. Well that sums up my summer, hope you enjoyed yours as well!

Summer Fun: Taylor Blattel.

Over the summer, I had a wonderful time at my friend, Hayley Degraw's house. It was a good time. We were just trying to have a good time, but went wrong. I told hayley to sit inside a cozy coupe car and I tied a rope from the car to the back of the bicycle. We were going down the driveway and we hit a dip from the end of the driveway to the road. I stopped and watched Hayley flew out and landed on her head. She laid there for a minute and I iran to pick her up. She looked at me and said, “Is it bleeding?”, I quickly ran to the house to get her mom. I turned around to see Hayley walking like a zombie, blood gushing down her face. She looked at my with cloudy eyes and said, “My head hurts.” her mom came out and said, “Hayley, are you okay?!” “I dont know.” Said Hayley, Faded. Hayley laid down on the sidewalk. Luckily, the neighbor was over she's a nurse. Hayley went to the emergency room that night. She had a major concussion and a huge knot on the side of her head. She survived although, she was scarred emotionally and developed a fear of kozy koupe cars. She cries at the sight of them now.In the end she was okay and we to this day do not touch a cozy coupe car.

Best Summer Ever: Chance Myers.

This past summer was really fun, I mean I honestly 

could say this was the best summer ever. One of the things that made me really enjoy this summer was that have played so much baseball and football it wore me out. We played so many games and tournaments. And having football the morning before the games just made me tired but it was fun. I also went to Ohio this summer and got to see my baby cousin. It was kindalucky because I found a fifty doller bill and a pair of Oakley`s which was just awesome. But I mean it was really fun and i enjoyed it alot. And cannot wait for next summer.

Summer 2013: Cheyanne Bailey.

Over the summer I and my friend Tiffany had the opportunity to go to the state fair to see Toby Keith in concert. Tiffany had never been and it was a definite memory. We rode rides for half the time. Then the time came and it was time to see Toby Keith. She was so excited. The drive up there she was all jittery didn't know what she was going to encounter, but she was eager. When we walked into the stadium we stood at the top of the stairs and she took in a deep breath and just couldn’t believe she was there. She then started running up to our seats and the anticipation of him coming out took forever. When he came out she couldnt sit still. After the concert was over she didnt have a voice anymore. It was all well worth it.  

My Summer Vacation: Kisha Nelson.

Over the summer, I did a lot of things. But the best thing was going on vacation! We went to Silver Dollar City for 3 days. So Sunday morning we left for our trip, and got to Silver Dollar City. My dad and I rode a lot of rides together! It was good for a family alone time! Dad wanted to ride Outlaw Run, but the line was way too long! I wish we could have rode it tho! I had the best summer in my entire life! I cannot wait to go back again! It was the funniest thing in the world:)

This Summer: Cassandra Moss.

Mostly, I had a very boring summer, but there was one good thing about it that made the rest easy to forget. Oh June 23rd my best friend, my sister, and I all got to go to a Brantlry Gilbert, Tim McGraw, and Love && Theft concert. I mainly went to seeBrantley Gilbert, but the other two were alright. I loved every minute of it. Well, except the heat, and the car ride. The car ride was only supposed to take us about 4 hours, but we got lost. So it actually took us about six. It was all worth it in the end, I got to see my favorite country singer!