Sidney junior Mariah Gifford was selected as a second member to Girls State, which is held in July.
The opportunity became available because of extra funding, and Gifford earned the selection. She will join Christina Worden, who was selected earlier this year.
Empire Girls State is an educational experience with hands-on workshops on government and the political process. It is designed to create a government from the county to the state level. This mythical 51st state allows students to learn the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society.
Juniors in the top 1/3 of their class are eligible for the spot. Candidates were further selected based on outstanding qualities of leadership, character, honesty, cooperation, and maturity. Being physically fit and willing to participate in all phases of the programming, including flag ceremonies, were also considerations.
Gifford is the daughter of Jesse and Marcie Gifford.