(The Westfield News/MassLive – Amy Porter) On Feb. 28, Madison Koziol of Westfield, a junior at Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield, met with state Sen. John Velis and American Legion Post 124 Past Commander Gene Theroux at the Legion post to talk about Koziol’s interest in attending Girls State.
Girls State is a nonpartisan program that allows high school girls to learn first-hand how their state and local government works by participating in an intensive week studying responsible citizenship, government, and leadership. The “citizens” in the program spend a week self-governing within their assigned municipality by electing officials, debating bills, and solving community problems. They leave with a better understanding of local and state government, and how to be an active citizen within their communities.
…
“Girls State is a phenomenal opportunity for students to learn firsthand how their local and state government works while developing valuable skills at the same time,” Velis said after the meeting with Madison Koziol.
“Madison has been an outstanding student at Pope Francis Prep and has demonstrated a real interest in civics and government throughout her time in school. I think she is a fantastic candidate for Girls State, and I’m excited for her to have this experience and to take everything she learns at the program back home to our own community.”