JEFFERSON CITY – The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) of Missouri sponsored more than 150 sophomore high school students from high schools throughout Missouri to the Capitol city to witness our state’s government in action.
Sophomore students from the GFWC MO 9th District (Southeast) in front of the Capitol in Jefferson City.(Submitted photo)
On April 11th, the sophomore students and their chaperones toured the Capitol, Secretary of State’s Office, Supreme Court, Governor’s Mansion. They ended their experience at the First United Methodist Church where during lunch they heard remarks from Governor Michael Parson, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, Treasurer Vivek Malek, Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, Supreme Court Judge Mary Russell and Supreme Court Clerk Betsy Aubuchon. Each student received a Certificate of Citizenship for their participation in the Pilgrimage.
Students Jayden Rickman from Ste. Genevieve High School and Patrick Schilly from Valle Catholic High School were sponsored by the GFWC Woman’s Club of Ste. Genevieve.
On the previous day, sophomore students from the GFWC MO 9th District (southeast), toured Westminster College and the National Churchill Museum in Fulton. They also toured the historic Missouri State Penitentiary (1836-2004) in Jefferson City.
Sophomore students from the GFWC MO 9th District on the Rotunda Grand Staircase in the Capitol in Jefferson City.
In 1934, Mrs. Mary Hinton Morris of the Women’s Club in Hannibal Missouri and first Sophomore Pilgrimage Chairman said, “The crying need of today is for more discreet, considerate, intelligent and loyal citizenship…the future of our state and nation lies in the hands of our children.” Her dream was to foster responsible citizenship among our students. The first annual sponsorship by GFWC clubs of outstanding sophomores from high schools all over the state of Missouri to observe the inner workings of state government, to tour government buildings and to listen to top state officials became a reality on March 5, 1935.
GFWC MO Sophomore Pilgrimage Co-chairmen, Judy Gustafson and Diane Miller of Ste. Genevieve, said “We were thrilled to see this year’s sophomore class of high school students who exemplify high standards of Honor, Courage, Citizenship, Scholarship, Leadership and Service.”
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs are dedicated to strengthening communities and enhancing the lives of others through volunteer services. They help create change by supporting the arts, preserving historical resources and advancing education through scholarships. For more information contact Judy Gustafson at 314-650-9348, jdycgust@aol.com.