The GirlsStater
Welcome to the American Legion Auxiliary
Oklahoma Girls State!
We here at The Girls Stater want to extend a warm welcome to the delegates of the 79th Session of Oklahoma Girls State. We are excited to share a week of patriotism, leadership, and government. We also want to extend our gratitude to our host Oklahoma Christian University and our sponsor the Oklahoma American Legion Auxiliary! Thank you!
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO:
Energizing Speakers
Riveting Elections
Girls State Show & Sing
Girls State Celebrations
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY OKLAHOMA GIRLS STATE May 2023 Vol 79 Issue 1
Hometown: Enid
A Little About Me:
Played basketball and cheered for NOC Tonkawa
Attended Oregon State and Northwestern as well Currently getting my Master’s in Sports Administration at Southeastern
2nd Grade Teacher and Freshman Girls Basketball Coach
Give swim lessons in the summer
Fun Fact About Me:
Dad was a state senator Have traveled to London, Paris, Rome, & Spain
Favorite Part About Girls State: The relationships you make
Akin City
Hometown: Cromwell
A Little About Me:
2023 High School Graduate Attending University of Pennsylvania in the fall, majoring in Behavioral Economics.
Fun Fact About Me: My friend and I founded our own educational program promoting news literacy and teaching students tips to detect news bias.
Favorite Part About Girls State: Seeing how delighted everyone is to be there, especially long time staff members who still really enjoy it and have fun
Katelyn Anderson, Senior Counselor
Lauren McDowell (she/her), Junior Counselor
Blosch Blosch Blosch
City City City
Jessi Beebe, Senior Counselor
Hometown: Enid
A Little About Me:
Teach Family and Consumer Sciences Education at Covington-Douglas High School.
In my free time, I love to volunteer with JWL Enid, walk my golden doodle Rudy, and read!
Fun Fact About Me:
My family loves to take cruises!
Favorite Part About Girls State: The incredible and inspiring speakers!
Mystery McDoulett, Junior Counselor
A Little About Me:
Attending OU in the fall and plan to study Health and Exercise Science
Work a nutrition shop
Will be trying out to be an Oklahoma Thunder Girl this summer
Fun Fact About Me:
I have danced for 15 years.
Favorite Part About Girls State: Relationships and friendships you build that last a lifetime.
Alivia Jeter, Senior Counselor
Hometown: Elk City
A Little About Me:
Girls State Delegate in 2021
Junior Counselor 2022
OU student, majoring in political science
Fun Fact About Me:
I love traveling, but have never been out of the country Attended the Taylor Swift Eras Tour in Arlington. Best. Night. Ever.
Favorite Part About Girls State:
Lifelong friends and memories you make
Bonham City
Chloee Nunez, Junior Counselor
Hometown: Pauls Valley
A Little About Me:
Plan to attend OSU to major in architectural engineering Sonic Carhop
Fun Fact About Me:
Two title All-Stater
Leaving in July for Basic Training in the Army National Guard
Favorite Part About Girls State: Get to work alongside a friend I made last year. I now have a lifelong friendship that I am truly appreciative of!
Chinn Chinn City City
Kendyl Woodruff (she/her), Junior Counselor
Hometown: Sayre
A Little About Me:
Plan to attend USAO in the fall, majoring in Speech Pathology
Fun Fact About Me:
Went on a cruise last summer and visited Ireland, Scotland, and France
Favorite Part About Girls State:
Michayla Harcrow, Senior Counselor
Hometown: Broken Bow
A Little About Me:
Currently reside in Durant and attend Southeastern (Go Storm) as an English major
Work for the university as an Administrative Assistant as well as English instructor and tutor
Fun Fact About Me:
I have been playing piano since I was three years old.
Favorite Part About Girls State: Singing all the songs and getting to know everyone!
The community and support USE #OKGS2023 ON SOCIAL MEDIA! USE #OKGS2023 ON SOCIAL MEDIA! THE MEDIA STAFF WOULD LOVE TO SHARE YOUR PICTURES. THE MEDIA STAFF WOULD LOVE TO SHARE YOUR PICTURES.
CHISOLMCITY CHISOLMCITY
Hometown: Bartlesville
A Little About Me: Will be attending Princeton University for public policy and international affairs
Fun Fact About Me:
Performed at the Kennedy Center for piano
Favorite Part About Girls State:
Was a tap dancing rate in my senior musical Meeting and becoming friends with so many new and diverse people
Campaigning
Hometown: Enid
A Little About Me: Currently attending TU for a BA in Political Science and Psychology
Fun Fact About Me:
I love all things Political Science and Legally Blonde so I love to attend mock Congresses in a powerful pink suit!
Favorite Part About Girls State: Watching the delegates get so excited about running for offices, making their speeches, and getting involved in processes of government!
Joyce Yang, Junior Counselor
Kadee Jo Ransom, Senior Counselor
Bella Wooten, Junior Counselor
Hometown: Vinita
A Little About Me:
Plan to attend Northeastern State University in Tahlequah and major in Communications in Science and Disorders
Work at a grocery store in my town
Fun Fact About Me:
Like to spend time with my family, boyfriend, and his family
Especially like to play with the dogs, go on walks, and “play” in the garden
Favorite Part About Girls State:
New friends and memories you make and take with you for a lifetime
Girls State is a community you will be a part of for the rest of your life, no matter where you go!
DDemke Demke emke
CCity City ity
Maddison Williams, Senior Counselor
Hometown: Durant
A Little About Me:
Graduated from Durant HS in 20212
Bachelor’s in Political Science from Southeastern Master’s in Public Administration from OU Own my own consulting company: The Maddison Company
Fun Fact About Me:
I have the best doggo, a German Shepherd named Koko.
Favorite Part About Girls State: Being able to give back to an organization that changed my life for the better!
Kelcey Jordan, Senior Counselor
Hometown: Duncan
A Little About Me:
Graduated from Duncan HS, OSU, and Wichita State Universities
My degrees are in music education
Currently teach elementary music in Piedmont
Fun Fact About Me:
As I enter my 7th year of teaching, I’ve already taught over 1,000 students!
Favorite Part About Girls State: It is an honor to facilitate and be witness to the moments that begin life-long connections and friendships.
Ella Barbush, Junior Counselor
Hometown: Durant
A Little About Me:
Just graduated from Durant HS Plan to attend OU, where I will be a part of the President’s Community Scholars Will be majoring in business to later become an attorney
Fun Fact About Me:
Miss Texoma
Native American National Golf Champion Business Professionals of America President
UCA All-American Cheerleader
Favorite Part About Girls State:
Opportunity to connect with so many other talented, smart, and amazIng girls from across the state
Girls State has brought me so many great friendships that I will cherish for a lifetime!
Keister Keister City City
Kateri Daffron, Junior Counselor
Morgan McSpadden, Senior Counselor
Hometown: Chelsea
A Little About Me:
Went to college at Rogers State University for my Bachelor’s in Medical/Molecular Biology
Currently work as an IT Director and CPR Instructor
Planning to go back to school for my Master’s degree soon
Fun Fact About Me:
I technically don’t have fingerprints
Favorite Part About Girls State:
Networking with and forming lifelong relationships with other like-minded and empowered women!
O'Leary City
Kaydee Shrum, Senior Counselor
Hometown: Grew up outside of Mangum
A Little About Me:
Moved to Weatherford to attend SWOSU as a music education major I study music and love playing clarinet! Work as a crew member for the Pioneer Cellular Event Center and am learning to run audio & video mixers for shows and events put on at SWOSU!
Fun Fact About Me:
Have had the opportunity to do three world premieres and multiple Oklahoma premiers on pieces of music by famous composers as well as getting to meet several of them!
Favorite Part About Girls State: Love getting to see the enthusiasm from all of the delegates, watching them grow throughout the week, and seeing them make connections and friendships that last a lifetime
Hannah Cummins, Junior Counselor
Hometown: Erick
A Little About Me:
Going to SWOSU for the radiology technician program Work at Love’s as a cashier
Fun Fact About Me:
Love camping and anything outdoors
Have a cute basset hound named Kevin
Favorite Part About Girls State: Getting to have fun and learning so much at the same time!
Parker City
Hometown: Okarche
A Little About Me:
Obtained Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from OU in 2015 and 2017
Work for OU in Student Affairs and love working for my alma mater!
Oversee fraternity and sorority life, comprised of over 55 organizations with 6,000+ students
Love getting to develop leaders, coach students through their leadership experiences, and help students build community on campus. Helping people find community is a big passion of mine.
Fun Fact About Me: I love to travel and have now been to 21 countries!
Favorite Part About Girls State: I love the connections made during this experience. I’m still friends with Girls Staters I met during my delegate year in 2010! I love watching women support each other and help push each other to be better. That’s what it’s all about!
Hometown: Cushing
A Little About Me:
Plan to attend Rogers State University in the fall and major in Biology and Chemistry and minor in genetics.
I have my Phlebotomy and CNA so I plan to work as a Phlebotomist during my time in college.
Fun Fact: I play soccer and I’m going to try to continue to play when I go to RSU.
Favorite Part About Girls State: The songs
Kylie Frisby, Whova Czar & Parker City Helper
Jasmine Farnes, Junior Counselor
ReedCity ReedCity
Hometown: Norman
A Little About Me:
Currently reside in Washington, D.C.
Proud alumna of OU and recent graduate from the Master’s of Public Health program at George Washington University
Work in the GWSPH Admissions and Enrollment office as a financial aid officer
In the coming years, I intend to pursue a PhD in Higher Education Administration at GW
Fun Fact About Me:
I have been running a photography business since my junior year of high school!
Favorite Part About Girls State: The energy that comes out of the staff and the girls is so incredible. Everyone is intelligent and tenacious, and it's so great to have such an accomplished group of people in one place to learn and try something they've never done before.
Hannah Feuerhelm (she/her), Junior Counselor
Hometown: Durant
A Little About Me: Plan to attend OU, majoring in Special Education and participating in PLC
Fun Fact About Me:
I learned the worm last year at Girls State!
Favorite Part About Girls State: All the sing-songs and the amount of times we sing
“Oklahoma!”
Kristen Nguyen (she/her), Senior Counselor
Smith City
Avery Davis, Junior Counselor
Hometown: Kingfisher
A Little About Me:
Andi Boutwell, Senior Counselor
A Little About Me:
Lives in Piedmont
Certified Public
Accountant at Express Employment Professionals
Graduated with an accounting degree from UCO
Fun Fact About Me:
I love to travel!
Favorite Part About Girls
State:
Meeting people from all over the state of Oklahoma
Planning to attend OSU this fall
Just graduated high school
Work as a waitress, in a snow cone stand, and as a lifeguard
Fun Fact About Me:
A fun fact about me is that I like to sing. Some of my hobbies are working out, spending time with friends. and working.
Favorite Part About Girls
State:
Getting to be with the girls in my city and form lifelong relationships!
Directors & Education Staff
Natalie Wood, Director
Hometown: Nowata
A Little About Me:
I recently moved back to my hometown of Nowata with my husband and two year old daughter to be closer to family. While my background is in non-profit management, I currently work as the Contract Admin for Disan Engineering. This role allows me to work directly with the FAA and Department of Defense on projects that support the warfighter. I attended OSU and graduated with a bachelors of science in multimedia journalism and strategic communications. I am a proud Kappa Delta Alumna!
Fun Fact About Me: I am a photographer and event decorator on the side!
Favorite Part About Girls State: All of it! But if I had to pick, I love witnessing the excitement the delegates experience through campaigning, running for office and being in community with each other.
Jennifer Shaw, Director Emeritus
Hometown: Duncan
A Little About Me:
Went to Duncan HS
Attended college at SWOSU and majored in accounting After undergrad, I then attended the OU College of Law I am the Executive Director for the Public Investors Advocate Bar Association (PIABA)
Fun Fact About Me:
I have two adorable dogs, Bella and Maddie
Favorite Part About Girls State: Getting to spend time with the amazing staff.
Delaney Nisbett, Election Coordinator
Hometown: Oklahoma City
A Little About Me:
Graduated from OSU with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Accounting
Certified Public Accountant and work at a public accounting firm (KPMG) as a Senior Audit Associate mainly in the healthcare industry
Fun Fact About Me:
Love learning new things constantly.
Love being able to challenge myself and teach myself new skills, including crochet and knit. I have knit many large blankets and have crocheted shirts, socks, and even a stuffed bunny last year while at Girls State
Favorite Part About Girls State:
I love the people. Each year I get to catch up with old friends while also making new ones. I love getting to see the different walks of life people are in and getting to meet women from all across our state.
I also love watching the delegates each year grow to be more confident and outstanding ladies. Girl State really does change people each and every year and makes us stronger more united women!
Candace Coonrod, Education Staff
Hometown: Enid
A Little About Me:
Currently reside in OKC Graduated from OU with a degree in Journalism and an emphasis in Public Relations
Work for the Oklahoma City Thunder as the Game
Presentation and Entertainment Coordinator
Fun Fact About Me:
My coworker is Rumble T. Bison!
Favorite Part About Girls State: I enjoy seeing all of my friends and meeting new people.
Bailey Warren, Education Assistant
Hometown: Norman
A Little About Me:
Moved to OKC a few years ago!
I’m an Assistant Attorney General
Fun Fact About Me:
Lol my initials are BMW
Favorite Part About Girls State: I absolutely LOVE getting to see everyone and hang out for an entire week with them!!
Jackie Crawford, Assistant Director
Hometown: Jones
A Little About Me:
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from OU Animal Ambassador Coordinator for the OKC Zoo. I care for and train the animals that go out into the zoo and interact with our guests.
Fun Fact About Me: I raised baby flamingos for four years.
Favorite Part About Girls State:
Seeing women supporting women. This week always leaves everyone feeling so empowered. I love seeing how nervous and quiet everyone is in the beginning and by the end they all leave as best friends.
Tracey Smith, Dorm Mom/Store
A Little About Me: Rating Board Specialist with the Veterans Administration
Fun Fact About Me: I was a Flight Attendant right after I graduated college.
Favorite Part About Girls State: Seeing all these wonderful young ladies and getting to see what they are going to do in the future
Patsy Chinn, Store Manager
Hometown: Claremore
A Little About Me:
Retired as an Executive Administrative Assistant
Certified as an Opoid Awareness Educator and Tai Chi for Better Balance Instructor
Veterans advocate for over 30 years & lifetime member of American Legion Auxiliary
Fun Fact About Me: Music is a major outlet for me as well as cooking sewing and reading. In 2010, I presented a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider in Arlington
Favorite Part About Girls State: Spending time with the Staff and the Citizens. It is so awesome to observe young ladies blossom from being shy introverts into vibrant, confident leaders.
LaVenia Boutwell
, Music Director
Hometown: Tyler, Texas
A Little About Me:
Moved to Kingfisher in 4th grade
Play the piano and organ for the Kingfisher Nazarene Church & the Rotary
Love spending time with my grandkids
Fun Fact About Me: Worked for an attorney for 23 years
Favorite Part About Girls State: Love being with all of the delegates and staff
Geralyn Haney, Demke City & Media Junior Counselor
Hometown: Holdenville
A Little About Me:
Recently graduated from Stuart HS Plan to attend Eastern Oklahoma State College, obtain an Associate’s Degree in Mass Communications, and play collegiate softball
Fun Fact About Me:
I’m ambidextrous, meaning I can use both my right and left hand for different tasks!
Favorite Part About Girls State: Meeting new people and surprisingly, singing!
"If I can make a difference to one person here at Girls State, then it's all worth it to me."
- LaVenia Boutwell
Ashley Sebree Rush, Media Director
Hometown: Oklahoma City
A Little About Me:
Bachelor's of Science in Meteorology from OU
Minors in Math & GIS
Master's of Arts in ReligionGraceland University Seminary
Work for the Oklahoma Dept. of Environmental Quality
Fun Fact:
I once stood in line next to Chad Michael Murray in a Starbucks in downtown OKC.
Favorite Part About Girls State: Working with the City Reporters to produce The Girls Stater each day! WANTED CITY REPORTERS:
Must be hard working, enthusiastic, and ready to get the scoop on Girls State news!
