The American Legion Auxiliary in Ojai earlier this month honored OVS senior Jessi Ponce Sanchez for her participation in the Girls State program.
Along with around 500 other high school junior girls from across California, Jessi was selected by the local American Legion post to be a Girls State delegate in June of 2025. She was chosen to take part in the proram because of her hard work and contribution to the OVS community.
“I’m grateful that I was chosen for the opportunity because it gave me a renewed sense of purpose in life,” Jessi said.
Girls State is a unique program that lets nominees run for staged government positions, and take on their responsibilities. This tactic allows for small-scale, but very real experience filling major roles in the government.
Jessi ran for County Clerk and was elected through a popular vote. Although she didn’t run a campaign, she did create and present an empowering and convincing speech, further promoting her candidacy.
“It was overwhelming because it required lots of organizational skills, but I definitely gained a better understanding of our government’s structure,” Jessi said of her experience running for county clerk.
Jessi’s statement is a clear example of the brilliance of Girls State. Not only does it teach young women how to confront and take charge in the government,it also teaches them to work through challenges.
Jessi went above and beyond, receiving the Model Citizenship Award.
This award is granted to one girl from each city for representing the values of the American Legion Auxiliary. Awards like these along with the experience, opportunity, and connection that Girls State offers, are wonderful reasons to take advantage of this opportunity if ever presented.
“Girls State is an amazing opportunity for 11th grade young women interested in learning more about government, democracy, and how important it is to participate in civic engagement,” said OVS Director of Academics Laurel Colborn, who teacher government and law at the Upper Campus and who orchestrates the Girls and Boys states programs at OVS.