GP students attend girls, boys state

Three seniors from Garfield/Palouse High School attended sessions for Evergreen Girls State and Boys State at Central Washington University in Ellensburg. Heidi Jamison, daughter of Russell and Sandy Jamison of Garfield, and Emily Akin, daughter of Noel and Kim Akin of Palouse, attended the girls’ state session June 12-18,

Nathan Cocking, son of Scot and Mary Cocking of Farmington, attended the boys’ session June 19-25.

Heidi was elected lieutenant governor, and Emily was elected to the state senate and majority party leader.

Nathan was elected as a state representative and sergeant at arms.

All three campaigned for the positions.

The purpose of the sessions, which are sponsored by the American Legion, is to train students on how the government process works. It provides participants an opportunity to learn by doing.

Evergreen Boys and Girls state set up governments for 14 cities, four counties and two political parties.

Garfield/Palouse businesses and individuals donated funds to help the students participate in the program. American Legion posts at Garfield and Colfax sponsored them.