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Claire Rollwitz and Arly Tchou, both rising seniors at TMI Episcopal, were chosen to serve as delegates for Texas Bluebonnet Girls State, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. The 2021 Session of Texas Bluebonnet Girls State was held virtually, June 21-25.

During Girls State, both students ran for office; Claire was elected as a city councilwoman and Arly was elected as city treasurer. Throughout the week, they attended virtual sessions and learned about leadership and the mechanics of American government with girls from all over Texas.

At TMI, Claire is the captain of the women’s basketball and softball teams; a member of TMI’s chapter of the National Honor Society; participates in Model United Nations, student government, and community service; and will serve as the TMI Corps of Cadets Battalion Commander during the 2021-2022 school year. Arly plays on TMI’s volleyball and basketball teams, is a member of the Spanish Club and TMI’s chapter of the National Honor Society, and will serve as the 2021-2022 TMI Corps of Cadets Battalion S1.

Girls in their junior year of any Texas high school may be nominated by faculty or staff of their schools to become Girls State citizens. Fundamental qualifications are demonstrated accomplishments of leadership, citizenship and character in their schools and community.

The purpose of this annual program is to educate young women in the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of American citizenship. Students organize city, county and state governments within a mythical “51st state,” learn the duties of various offices, introduce and debate their own bills in a legislature and administer their laws through courts and law-enforcement agencies. Activities teach leadership skills as well as the rights and privileges of citizenship.

Founded in 1937, Girls State programs provide leadership experience for about 16,000 young women across the nation. For details, visit http://girls-state.org.

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Founded in 1893, TMI Episcopal is a private, co-educational, college-preparatory school for grades 6-12, with optional Junior ROTC and boarding programs. For information, visit www.tmi-sa.org or call 210-698-7171.