Secretary of State
Secretary Grimes Participates in Kentucky Boys and Girls State Programs

During the weeks of June 11 and 18, 2012, Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes addressed and hosted participants in the annual American Legion Auxiliary Kentucky Girls and American Legion Kentucky Boys State Programs. The programs, in their 66th and 72nd years, respectively, provide high school students practical education about city and state government by allowing participants to be involved in hypothetical political parties, campaigns, elections and appointments. 

Grimes, who is the Commonwealth’s chief advocate for civic engagement, spoke to both delegations during the week-long sessions, visiting Girls State at the University of the Cumberlands in Whitley County and Boys State at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Muhlenberg County. Grimes, Kentucky’s only current female constitutional officer and the youngest female secretary of state in the nation, told the students about her path to public service and encouraged them to remain engaged in their communities by registering to vote, participating in elections, and volunteering. “This is our Commonwealth and our future,” Grimes said. “It’s up to us to make sure it is bright.”

Winners of the hypothetical elections visited the state Capitol in Frankfort to see firsthand how the offices they won function on a daily basis. Grimes hosted four winners from the Girls State program and discussed with them the responsibilities of the Secretary of State’s office. Kayla Rowsey, a rising senior from Hardin County, was elected secretary of state by her Girls State peers. The secretary of state elected in the Boys State program, Donovan Gary, participated in meetings with Grimes, her staff, and local elected officials during his visit to the Capitol. Gary will be in the 12th grade at Hopkins County Central High School this fall.

“Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders,” said Grimes. “It is an honor to be involved with these programs and encourage students to be active citizens and commit themselves to public service.”

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