By Jo Beth Delawder
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 64 of Moorefield is proud to recognize three outstanding Hardy County students who represented the area at the 2025 West Virginia Rhododendron Girls State and is now encouraging current junior girls to apply for the 2026 session.
Girls State, a prestigious leadership program sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, provides young women with a hands-on opportunity to experience government in action. Participants spend a week building and operating a mock state government, campaigning for office, debating issues, and developing leadership and public speaking skills.
Last year’s delegates from Moorefield High School and East Hardy High School exemplified the leadership, academic excellence, and community involvement that Girls State seeks to foster.
Raleigh Kuykendall of Moorefield High School represented the community with distinction. A member of the National Honor Society and Student Council, Kuykendall is a multi-sport athlete participating in varsity volleyball, basketball, and softball. She plans to pursue higher education in West Virginia and has expressed interest in law, criminology, business, or politics. Kuykendall brings a strong sense of service and patriotism, rooted in her family’s deep military history spanning multiple generations, including relatives who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. She plans to further explore her interest in law through an upcoming internship with a law firm in Hurricane, West Virginia.
Kaelynn Reigel of East Hardy High School is an exceptional student with a strong academic and leadership record. Enrolled in both high school and the South Branch Career and Technical Center’s criminal law and justice program, she is also completing college coursework through Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College. Reigel maintains a 4.3 GPA and is active in Student Council, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Spanish Club, Teen Court, and SkillsUSA, where she serves as secretary. A former FFA chapter secretary and accomplished public speaker, she has competed and placed in multiple state-level competitions, including FFA events, public speaking, and criminal law quiz bowl. Reigel aspires to become a lawyer and viewed Girls State as an important step toward that goal.
Elizabeth Williams of Moorefield High School demonstrated both leadership and achievement during her time at Girls State, where she was elected Commissioner of Agriculture. Williams has long held an interest in government, having previously served as a page in the West Virginia State Legislature. She is a Knight of the Golden Horseshoe and holds numerous leadership roles, including Junior Class Treasurer, Student Council member, FFA Sentinel, Vice President of Competitive Events for DECA, and Vice President of Finance and Development for FCCLA. She is also deeply involved in 4-H, serving as president of her local club and as a member of the West Virginia State 4-H Teen Council. Williams further expanded her global perspective through a cultural exchange program in Germany, where she visited the German parliament and met with government officials.
“These young women represented our community with excellence and demonstrated the kind of leadership and character that Girls State is designed to develop,” said JoBeth Delawder, Girls State Chairman for American Legion Auxiliary Unit 64. Delawder herself is a former Girls State representative, a testament to the lasting impact of the program and the special place it holds in the hearts of those who attend.
Applications are now open for the 2026 West Virginia Rhododendron Girls State, which will be held June 7–13 at Davis & Elkins College. Moorefield will select a limited number of representatives to sponsor at no cost to the participants.
Junior girls from Moorefield High School and East Hardy High School are encouraged to apply. Applicants must submit a short essay explaining why they want to attend Girls State and what Americanism means to them, along with a teacher recommendation, resume, and current GPA.
The local application deadline is Friday, April 10. Materials should be submitted to JoBeth Delawder at jobethmd@gmail.com.
Girls State is a nationally respected program with alumnae who have gone on to become governors, members of Congress, journalists, and leaders across a wide range of professions.
For more information or to apply, interested students are encouraged to contact Delawder directly.
