Freddie the Federalist

Freddie Wagner, a Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow High School senior to be, was honored in Medicine Bow at a dinner for her accomplishments in going to American Legion Auxiliary Girls State from June 9-15 in Cheyenne, as the representative from northern Carbon County.

After attendees got their food, Wagner spoke about her trip.

"As many of you know, I come from a very rich agricultural background spanning many generations, myself being the fifth," Wagner started. "Members of my family have always been involved in the local aspect of politics, whether chairmen of various boards or county commissioners, we have always been a strong group of natural born leaders. I proudly continue this family tradition with being president of numerous school organizations."

Wagner admitted she has not always been interested in politics, which is a big part of going to Girls State.

"I grew up hearing stories of how my great-grandfather could make the word bureaucrat sound like a cuss word" Wagner recalled. "So when I was invited to attend this 'government camp', part of me was very doubtful it would be something I would enjoy. Blue jeans being my outfit of choice, receiving notice I was restricted to business and formal attire made my gut sink, which in turn made me even more nervous."

She said the nervousness left her as she got involved with activities of Girls State.

"To keep a very long and memorable week short, while at Girls State I was part of the House of Representatives where we passed or killed bills written by fellow delegates. My own personal bill was to make high school students required to take an agriculture class to graduate high school," Wagner said. "I was also apart of the Federalist Party. Instead of having a Democrat or Republican Party, we have Nationalists and Federalist. It was up to us, as a party, to create our platform and what we believed in. I was required to run for either a county, state, or national office. I ran for county commissioner in honor of my family members and was successful in my campaign efforts."

Wagner said she was impressed with the caliber of girls attending the event.

"I met many amazing young women, along with some of our state government officials," Wagner said. "I was able to experience their love and dedication for this state and the people that call it home."

Wagner said she met several Wyoming politicians during the week at Girls State.

"I was able to meet the State Auditor, the Secretary of State, Senators Mike Enzi and John Barasso, as well as Governor Mark Gordon," Wagner said. "Meeting Governor Gordon was definitely a highlight."

Although Wagner enjoyed meeting Wyoming's politicians, it was not what she enjoyed most during the trip.

"What had the most impact on me was our visit to the veterans' hospital. We were able to display our appreciation for their sacrifice to this country by singing the military hymns," Wagner said. "The time we spent there was nowhere near long enough to show our gratitude to them, and not only for what they've done, but for what they've had to experience while back home. We were able to sit down and talk to the veterans and hear their stories." 

Wagner said, after Girls State, she has reevaluated her thoughts on politics and the people that serve the government.

"These events that took place over those six days has truly shown me that the word government isn't a bad word," Wagner said. "This small interaction has shown me that the state of Wyoming's government is truly what Abraham Lincoln said a good government should be: of the people, by the people, for the people."

Going to Girls State hasn't made her want to be a career politician, but she felt there was tremendous value gleaned from going to Girls State.

"I plan to use my leadership skills and the knowledge gained from attending Girls State to inspire and motivate the young ladies that are my underclassmen," Wagner said. "I want to encourage these young ladies that the sky is truly the limit and they can use their voices in a powerful and productive way to make a difference in not only our school and community, but our state as well."

Wagner said she was grateful to have had the experience at Girls State.

"I walked away from Girls State with visions of success. Not only for myself, but for those following in my footsteps" Wagner said. "I feel empowered yet enlightened by the knowledge that I've gained from the inside view of how our state government truly works. These skills will carry on throughout my life and I plan to advocate for this amazing association so that other young women's lives can be touched as mine has been. To all the ladies that help put this camp on, thank you. Your hard work doesn't go unnoticed."

She thanked the Auxiliary Unit #64 in Medicine Bow for covering expenses for the entire trip.

"On top of that, I received all sorts of goodies and gifts throughout the week in the mail from these women," Wagner said. "It definitely made my stress levels ease and my heart full. Thank you for selecting me and granting me this opportunity."