SPA Highlight: Emmy Stanek and Morgan Everton Represent Scottsdale Prep at Arizona Girls State

This week, we are celebrating two Spartans who stepped outside of their comfort zones, embraced new challenges, and discovered new perspectives on leadership, government, and civic engagement!

This summer, Seniors Emmy Stanek and Morgan Everton were selected to represent Scottsdale Preparatory Academy at Arizona Girls State, a prestigious weeklong leadership and citizenship program for rising high school senior girls, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Arizona.

The program brings together young women from across the state for an immersive experience focused on government, leadership, citizenship, and public service. Throughout the week, participants learn about the workings of government, take part in a mock political process, hear from inspiring speakers, campaign for elected positions, and have opportunities to serve in leadership roles.

For Emmy and Morgan, the experience offered a chance to step into unfamiliar territory and challenge themselves in new ways.

For Morgan, one of the most memorable parts of the experience was the campaign and election process. With only a handful of elected positions available and nearly every participant campaigning for a role, the competition was intense. Morgan embraced the challenge and was elected to three leadership positions: County Assessor, Precinct Committeeman, and Head of her City’s Budget Committee.

While the titles were exciting, Morgan said the experience was ultimately about personal growth.

“I think it was such a great experience because it pushed me beyond my comfort zone, forcing me to learn about something I had no previous knowledge of and encouraging me to meet new people.”

Morgan also appreciated being surrounded by other intelligent, ambitious, and driven young women from across Arizona. The experience showed her that leadership opportunities can have an impact far beyond the subject itself—even for students who may not initially consider themselves interested in politics or government.

Emmy also took on an exciting leadership role during the week, serving as a Superior Court Judge and participating in a mock trial. Through the experience, she gained a new appreciation for the complexity of government and the work required to create meaningful change.

“I loved the experience because it made me realize how complicated government can be. I was inspired by the effort it takes to make things happen.”

Both Emmy and Morgan left Arizona Girls State with a deeper understanding of government and civic engagement, but perhaps more importantly, they discovered the value of being willing to step into unfamiliar territory.

Their experience is a wonderful example of what can happen when Spartans say yes to a new opportunity, even when they aren’t quite sure what to expect.

Arizona Girls State will continue to be an opportunity available to our rising Seniors each year. Emmy and Morgan’s experience reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful opportunities are the ones that push us beyond what we already know.

Congratulations to Emmy and Morgan on representing Scottsdale Prep at Arizona Girls State and on an incredible week of learning, leadership, and growth!