Marion High School senior Kaitlyn Goebel spoke to her American Legion Auxiliary sponsors last week about her experiences at Girls State on the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence.

Campaigning with a slogan of “Kaitlyn for the Kids,” she was elected president of the Girls State state board of education, passed a bar exam, campaigned for others, learned cheers and chants, and enjoyed her roommates.

She told members of American Legion Post 22 Auxiliary at their July 11 meeting in Marion that she was surprised by how much she enjoyed the experience June 5 to 10 and encouraged other girls to express interest in attending next year.