The Palmetto Girls State and Palmetto Boys State representatives for Dillon gave a report of their recent experiences at the monthly meeting of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary on Thursday, February 6. Palmetto Girls State and Palmetto Boys State are week-long programs created to educate young men and women about state and local government and citizenship. Rising high school seniors are eligible for the programs. Representatives are nominated by guidance counselors and/or teachers.
Sarah Fitzgibbon, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Timothy Fitzgibbon, represented Dillon Christian School, and Shayna Covington, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Don Covington, represented Dillon High School at Palmetto Girls State. Both girls related their many experiences at the program held at Presbyterian College. The 800 Girls State representatives were given the opportunity to meet SC Governor Nikki Haley and U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, and the Auxiliary hosted a tea for the delegates. Sarah and Shayna expressed appreciation for the opportunity given them by the American Legion Auxiliary. The trip opened the doors to learn about politics, gain self-esteem, acquire friends for a lifetime, etc. Both would return if it were possible. However, rising seniors in high school are eligible. This life-changing experience will always be remembered by these girls. Varnetta Gause, daughter of Mrs. Sophia Gause, also represented Dillon High School at Palmetto Girls State; was not present at the meeting.
The Boys State representatives who were present included: Ethan Hayes, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Hayes; Matt Jordan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jordan; and Jacob Stagg, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nate Stagg. Ethan and Jacob represented Dillon High School; Matt represented Dillon Christian School.
The boys, too, appreciated this life-changing experience at Anderson University. The boys visited with U.S. Congressman Tom Rice, U.S. Senator Tim Scott, Miss South Carolina, and walk-on Clemson player, Daniel Rodriquez. These boys were exposed to the political workings of our society and were given the opportunity to run for office After forming bonds that will last a very long time, this group was also appreciative for this experience. Heath Freitas, son of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Freitas, represented Dillon Christian School. Donald Stroud, son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Stroud, represented Latta High School. Neither was able to attend the meeting.
The American Legion is a social and mutual-aid veterans’ organization including members of the United States armed forces. The organization was founded in 1919 by veterans returning from Europe after World War I. It was later chartered as an official American patriotic society under Title 36 of the United States Code. The organization is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The American Legion Auxiliary was founded in 1919 and is the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization. With a membership of nearly 800,000, local American Legion Auxiliary units have a strong presence in more than 9,000 communities nationwide. The American Legion Auxiliary’s mission to serve veterans, the military and their families is carried out through its hundreds of outreach programs delivered by its members, volunteers and national headquarters.
The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary is located at 2014 Highway 9 East, Dillon.