Two West Virginia political leaders encouraged American Legion Auxiliary Rhododendron Girls State citizens to become the Mountain State’s future leaders. State Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and State Auditor JB McCuskey spoke to the group Tuesday at Davis & Elkins College saying the young women have potential to move the state forward.
“I look at you 10, 20, 30 years into the future and see the leaders of West Virginia,” Morrisey said.
Sharing his ‘Ps’ for success, Morrisey told the citizens everything good starts with being positive and can continue with exploration of your passions and possibilities. He said it’s also important to maintain persistence, connect with your spiritual side through prayer and take time to play.
“Use these and set your own course,” Morrisey advised. “We are going to have great things happen in West Virginia and we need your help. You have a chance to be a leader of the future.”
McCuskey praised the citizens for taking an interest in attending Girls State and learning about government. He pointed out that the greatest political problems have been solved by disagreement and challenged the citizens to have a discussion with someone they disagree with.
“The answer is found in the conflict,” McCuskey explained.
McCuskey also encouraged the citizens to ponder all the career possibilities that exist in West Virginia and consider making their home in the state after graduating from college.
“There is no where else where young people can take their talents and write their success story,” McCuskey said.
American Legion Auxiliary West Virginia Rhododendron Girls State continues with sessions on the Davis & Elkins College campus through Friday, June 17. Established in 1941 under the sponsorship and direction of the American Legion Auxiliary Department of West Virginia, Rhododendron Girls State is a premier experiential hands-on program that focuses on citizenship and patriotism, and develops leadership and pride in American citizens, educates citizens about our system of government, instills a greater understanding of American traditions, and stimulates a desire to maintain our democratic government processes within our republic.
American Legion Auxiliary Rhododendron Girls State 2021 Governor Sidney Megna, left, and 2021 Girls State Attorney General Annisa Molnar welcome West Virginia State Attorney General Patrick Morrisey to Davis & Elkins College.
State Auditor JB McCuskey speaks to American Legion Auxiliary Rhododendron Girls State citizens from the stage in Harper-McNeeley Auditorium at Davis & Elkins College.
