Evergreen Boys and Girls State Delegates Honored

WAITSBURG – WHS seniors Megan Morrison and Stuart Walsh were honored at a Boys and Girls State Honor Night at Town Hall on Mon., March 7. The event was hosted by the Waitsburg American Legion Post #35 and the Legion Auxiliary, which sponsor Waitsburg and Prescott students each year.

Megan Morrison attended the 2015 American Legion Auxiliary Evergreen Girls State at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Wash. last June. Morrison said she was initially unsure about applying to attend because she didn't feel she knew very much about government. However, she said the learned a lot and had a lot of fun.

Morrison was elected Gold House Speaker, in the mock government, and was responsible for keeping order. Teams are given the task of solving a problem for their mock cities and Morrison said her team was faced with an overabundance of wildlife and overpopulation. "It was a great experience," she said.

Walsh attended Evergreen Boys State at the Warm Beach Conference Center in Stanwood, Wash. He said he went in knowing very little about government and became more involved and aware than he would have imagined.

"I've even continued to pursue my interest in government by taking a position as student liaison with the (Waitsburg) city council," he said.

Walsh said the days were long and rigorous, but the experience was extremely rewarding. He was elected State Treasurer, responsible for balancing the budget and resolving financial issues. His team faced the city challenge of a multi-million dollar budget deficit.

Walsh said his team's solution was a bit lighthearted.

"We proposed the construction of Jurassic Island. The facility would draw in tourism and boost finances. Many criticized the initial construction costs, but we figured it out and it would bring profit after a certain number of years," he said.

High School juniors may apply to attend Boys and Girls State the summer before their senior year. Girls State will be June 12-18 this year and Boys State is June 19-25. Applications are available at the Waitsburg and Prescott High School offices. Interviews for 2016 delegates take place Mon., March 14.