State and Nation. Each year when Sen. John Hoeven addresses our delegates, he reminds them that Boys State was the first time he was elected governor in the state of North Dakota. Sen. Kevin Cramer and Gov. Kelly Armstrong are also alumni of the program. Girls State has a long list of successful alumnae, as well, including Justice Lisa McEvers, DPI Superintendent Kirsten Baesler, and former Miss America Cara Mund.
Boys and Girls State programs across the country unite leaders wherever they go. Each summer as I’ ve returned to UND, people around me chime in,“ I went to Girls / Boys State. It was the best week of high school.” When I announced I would be returning to Girls State on social media, those lifelong friends with whom I attended in 2015 and students for whom I was counselor flooded my phone with messages of well-wishes and encouragement.
When I went back to my clerkship in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, after Girls State 2025, Judge Limbaugh( E. D. Mo.) walked into my office and asked how the week was. When I replied,“ Good, but exhausting.” He laughed jovially and replied,“ Oh I bet. You know I attended Missouri Boys State.”
A nostalgic smile filled his eyes, and he chuckled to himself over fond memories as he went back to work. Other alumni of Boys and Girls States across the country include U. S. Supreme Court justices, presidents, NFL coaches, pop stars, professional athletes, national news anchors, members of both chambers of the U. S. Congress, and members of your community, too.
More than anything, Boys and Girls State provide forums for young people to come together to discuss pressing issues with diverse delegates from across the state. This year at Girls State, popular topics of discussion included the“ pink tax,” sanctuary cities, agricultural monopolies, and opportunity disparity between rural and urban schools. Students discussed college applications, sports, and fashion as well. I cannot guarantee each delegate will win an election, but I can guarantee each delegate will leave with new skills and new friends. No matter where you’ re coming from or going, this program forms leaders. As Rep. Julie Fedorchak said in her virtual commencement address,“ If you ever question if you belong at the table, remember this week.” That is the epitome of Girls State.
Program Information
All students who have completed their junior year of high school and are anticipating their senior year are eligible to attend their respective program. Next year’ s programs will take place June 14-19, 2026. For more information, visit ndgirlsstate. org or ndboysstate. org or contact ndgirlsstate @ gmail. com or neil. litton @ ndboysstate. org for more information. Cost of attendance is covered entirely by a Legion or Auxiliary chapter. If you or your child are not enrolled in the Legion or Auxiliary, we are happy to connect you with a chapter willing to sponsor you. Upon application, delegates will also have the opportunity to apply for various college scholarships. Delegates are not expected to know anything about government before arrival. We are simply looking for enthusiastic young leaders willing to try something new.
Elizabeth Erickson Narain graduated from The Catholic University of America in 2020 and from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2024. She currently clerks for Judge Stephen Limbaugh, Jr. in the Eastern District of Missouri. In September, she will return home to Fargo and work for Vogel Law Firm.
SUMMER 2025 23