Carl Lino, one of the Girls State sponsors, stands with the delegates, Grant Union seniors Babe Nash, left, Sydney Stearns, Jennifer McCloskey and Alia King.

JOHN DAY – Four Grant Union seniors shared what they’ve learned of the political process during the Nov. 10 American Legion and Auxiliary Ellis Tracy Post No. 77 Girls and Boys State dinner.

The dinner was held at Alec Gay Hall, with family and friends of the students in attendance.

Sydney Stearns, Babe Nash, Jennifer McCloskey and Alia King attended the 75th annual Girls State session June 14-20 at Willamette University in Salem. No local boys attended Boys State this year.

Each girl played a political part in an imaginary 51st state created at the event.

Stearns and McCloskey were congresswomen, Nash was a lobbyist and King took part in a jury at a mock trial.

Grant Union 2014 graduate Hannah Andrews also attended the session as a junior counselor.

Some of the memorable moments the girls spoke of were visiting the State Capitol, hearing Secretary of State Kate Brown speak, and a candle-lighting ceremony – floating the candles in memory of veterans.

They also enjoyed gourmet meals, pajama parties and getting to know the other students.

“I had to learn 30 girls’ names,” Stearns said. “Most live on the west side, and it was amazing hearing about their lives.”

King said she enjoyed meeting everyone, and noted, “you gain a great support group.”

Several sponsors were recognized for their support. The girls’ $300 fees were covered by: Chester’s Thriftway, Carl Lino, John Day Elks Lodge No. 1824, Old West Federal Credit Union, Billy Drinkwater and John Day Lions fund.

Lino’s sponsorship was in memory of his wife, Sondra, who was Oregon’s Girls State director from 2003-2011.

Tammy Bremner is the current local Girls State chairman, and American Legion commander Art Pereira is the Boys State chairman. Pereira and Auxiliary president Ruth Harris presided at the dinner.

Chaplain Joan Bowling was recognized at the event for a recent monetary contribution to the Legion and Auxiliary, as well as her contributions to the community.

Those in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and sang the national anthem with Kathy Roberson accompanying on the piano. Her husband Pastor Ron Roberson of the Church of the Nazarene offered the benediction.