The American Legion Auxiliary from Oak Harbor’s George Morris Post 129 more than doubled the number of high school juniors it sent to Evergreen Girls State last week.

Auxiliary members usually award two scholarships to the nationwide government training and leadership program, but this year the group was able to award five.

Annie Frosolone, Carlie Kenny, Ally McGuire, Hannah Salmons and McKenzie Schneider were chosen to attend. Each received $265 plus $70 for transportation to attend Girls State, which was held June 10 through 16 at Central Washington University in Ellensburg.

Evergreen Girls State is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. During the program young women live together as self-governing citizens of 15 cities and four counties. Each girl is assigned to a city and to one of two mock political parties, which are organized at the precinct level, continuing through county and state conventions. The girls develop platforms and candidates run for county and state office.

The young ladies who attend Girls State have an additional opportunity to apply for scholarships through the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary and corporate sponsors. Applicants must have completed their junior year of high school to be eligible. More information is available at www.walegion-aux.org.