Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow

Sydney Morgan (left) and her roommate.

While many students took the opportunity to relax during their summer break, rising senior Sydney Morgan was staying busier than ever! Sydney represented Chartiers Valley at the 2013-2014 Keystone Girls State Program at Shippensburg University in June.

Keystone Girls State is a week long program that gives young women the chance to learn about the duties, rights and responsibilities of citizenship. The program emphasizes leadership development and governmental instruction for high school girls across Pennsylvania.

After an application and interview process, Sydney secured a sponsorship with the American Legion Auxiliary Unit in Carnegie, funding her opportunity to participate in the Keystone Girls State program.

“We experienced many great things throughout the week.” Sydney recalls. “I received the opportunity to run for mock government positions in our mock state and hold mock legislatures.”

Sydney says she also learned a lot about government at the state level. The program participants took a trip to Harrisburg and met with state representatives from Pennsylvania.

“[I learned] what it is like for a women to hold her own in politics today.” says Sydney. [I also learned] that it is [possible] for anyone –no matter what gender or race– to be involved in government. You just have to be willing to work hard and persevere, no matter what anyone else says.”

“I also thoroughly enjoyed meeting other girls from Pennsylvania who shared the same interests as me, some of whom I believe will be lifelong friends.”

Sydney's photo of the state capitol.

Sydney believes participating in Keystone Girls State was an incredible learning opportunity. “You make so many memories with everyone there and you also have a large amount of networking opportunities with the speakers who come.”

After her experience with Keystone Girls State, Sydney advises other student to pursue similar opportunities. ”If anyone would like to experience this life changing week, it would be foolish not to take [advantage of] it.”

Have any questions for Sydney or want to learn more about her experience? Contact Megan Colt, Collegiate Coordinator, at mcolt@cvsd.net. Ms. Colt will put students in touch.