DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney released the following statement after speaking with young women of the Delaware American Legion Girls State Program. Governor Carney spoke with the American Legion Boys State Program on Tuesday, June 13.

“The Delaware American Legion’s Boys State and Girls State Programs give students across our state the opportunity to experience government and public service first hand. Students get a sense of what government is all about and how it operates. This experience is their first step along the way toward becoming future leaders of Delaware. Thank you to all of the students for stepping forward, for your participation in Girls State and Boys State, and for starting on this path to public service.”

Governor Carney addressed both programs and met individually with the Boys State Governor, Shreyas Parab of Archmere Academy, and the Girls State Governor, Natalie Nwanekwu of Newark Charter High School.

Dover, Del. – On July 1, 2015, State Auditor R. Thomas Wagner, Jr. hosted American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Auditor, Governor, Lt. Governor, and Insurance Commissioner for the day.

Upcoming high school senior, Megan Reynolds, from Archmere Academy, was selected as the 2015 American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Auditor. State Auditor Wagner also hosted Emily Whaley, Girls State Governor, from Sussex Technical High School; Isabel Arellano, Girls State Lt. Governor, from Middletown High School; and Christine McNeill, Girls State Insurance Commissioner, from The Charter School of Wilmington. American Legion Auxiliary Girls State is an annual program that teaches high school students how government works and helps them to develop leadership skills.

After the selection process, the Girls State officials spent a day shadowing the Delaware State Auditor, where they learned about the duties and office of the Auditor of Accounts.

State Auditor Wagner stated, “I’ve participated in the Girls State program for 27 years as Delaware State Auditor. I look forward to it every year because I think it’s a great way to get young people involved in public service.”

Ms. Reynolds stated, “Girls State has been such a wonderful opportunity so far, and it’s been great to have a glimpse into our State Government and to spend the day with Mr. Wagner.”

Ms. Whaley added, “Girls State has given me the wonderful opportunity to learn about how the government works in the State of Delaware.”

Ms. Arellano commented, “Girls State has opened the doors to allow me to see the Delaware State Government…and the only Lt. Governor in ‘office’ currently.”

Ms. McNeill also stated, “My time here in Dover has allowed me to make lasting friendships, share many laughs, and learn abo

ut State Government. Thanks so much to Mr. Wagner for showing us around Legislative Mall. I will remember this experience for the rest of my life.”

For more information, please contact Kathleen Davies, CPA-PA, CISA, CGFM, CGAP, Chief Administrative Auditor, at 302-857-3919 or Kathleen.Davies@delaware.gov.