Governor Spanberger Celebrates Civic Engagement, Public Service at Virginia Girls State & Virginia Boys State

PRINCE EDWARD, VA - Governor Abigail Spanberger today joined hundreds of rising high school seniors from across the Commonwealth to celebrate civic engagement and public service at the 79th annual session of Virginia Girls State at Longwood University and the 83rd annual session of Virginia Boys State at Hampden-Sydney College.

During remarks at both events, Governor Spanberger commended the students for their desire to learn more about the civic process and for recognizing the responsibility that comes with informed citizenship - particularly as America celebrates its 250th anniversary. The Governor also praised their dedication to pursuing positive change within their communities and encouraged them to carry forward the lessons and leadership skills gained through Girls State and Boys State.

"American democracy was born right here in Virginia, and it is up to you and your generation to make sure it's still in good hands," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "For me, that means choosing a path of service. When I talk about this path of service, I'm not necessarily just talking about running for elective office - though I hope some of you do, but public service is so much more. It is teaching. It is nursing. It is starting a nonprofit. It's starting a business and hiring good people. It is being the person in your community who simply looks around and asks: what is missing here, and what can I do about it?"

Governor Spanberger continued, "The common thread is this: putting service to others at the center of what you do. Recognizing that we all have a responsibility to contribute to something bigger than ourselves. The fact that you are here - that you chose to spend a week of your summer doing the hard work of democracy - tells me you are already thinking about something bigger than yourselves. So, my challenge to you is to take what you've learned this week and don't put it away. Use it. Stay curious about how decisions get made and who makes them. Find the place where your talents and your passion for service intersect - and follow that North Star."

Virginia Girls State and Virginia Boys State are week-long civic leadership programs sponsored by The American Legion Auxiliary and The American Legion, respectively. Together, they provide outstanding high school young women and men with the opportunity to engage in immersive, hands-on experiences in leadership through model state governments, mock legislative sessions, and leadership development activities. Participants learn about the democratic process by debating public issues, drafting and voting on legislation, and operating a fully functioning simulated government.

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