Bedini and Mitchell Chosen to Represent Marianna at Florida Girls State

By: Shelia Mader

Two outstanding Marianna High School students, Sarah Bedini and Murphy Mitchell, have been selected to represent their community at the prestigious Florida Girls State, an intensive, week-long program held in Tallahassee designed to educate and inspire young women in the workings of government. They will report June 19 and be dismissed June 27 and spend three days at the Capitol. They will be housed in Florida State University dorms.

Mary Pettis, Girls State Chairman for American Legion Auxiliary Unit 100, shared insights on the selection process and the caliber of the program. “Candidates must be juniors in high school who plan to return for their senior year,” she explained. “They must be in the top third of their class and exhibit qualities such as leadership, honesty, character, and community involvement. While an interest in the legal field is preferred, it’s not required.”

According to Pettis, this year’s selection process was especially difficult due to the high quality of applicants. “Sarah and Murphy did an outstanding job in their interviews and completed extensive paperwork required by the Florida American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program,” Pettis noted. “All the girls interviewed were strong candidates, and the final decision came down to a close point-based scoring system.”

Girls State will run from June 19–27, with participants staying in Florida State University dorms and spending three days at the Capitol to simulate the legislative process. Pettis also expressed appreciation to LuAnne Law at Marianna High School for her ongoing help coordinating the program.

Sarah Bedini: A Leader in Music, Academics, and Service

Sarah Bedini is a model of leadership and scholarship. Serving as drum major of the Marianna High School marching band, she’s also active in the Beta Club, National Honor Society, and Academic Team. Outside of school, she’s deeply involved in her church community and is dual-enrolled at Chipola College, where she is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for two-year colleges. She holds an unweighted GPA of 3.96 and a weighted GPA of 4.69.

Bedini is honored to have been selected, “There were a number of girls who were intelligent and fully qualified to represent our school.”

Bedini is eager to gain a deeper understanding of government at the local and state levels, “My overall expectations for Girls State is to better understand differing opinions and beliefs. Around 300 girls from all across Florida are coming, with different backgrounds and lifestyles, so I’m extremely eager to learn community building skills and cooperation.”

Bedini sees this experience as a steppingstone toward becoming a well-informed and active citizen. Her parents, Larrian Williams and Brent Bedini, attended the required orientation, where safety and expectations were discussed.

Murphy Mitchell: Athlete, Leader, and Future Public Servant

Murphy Mitchell shares Bedini’s enthusiasm for the opportunity. “I am beyond excited and honored to be selected to attend such a prestigious event,” Mitchell said. “I’m also grateful to Mrs. Pettis and the other wonderful women of Marianna’s American Legion Auxiliary for giving me this opportunity.”

Mitchell juggles a demanding schedule, participating in school and travel softball, soccer, and serving as captain of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She also serves as Executive Secretary of the Student Government Association, an officer in the National Honor Society, and is dual-enrolled at Chipola College, maintaining a 4.8 weighted GPA. Outside of school, she offers private softball lessons and is working toward her goal of playing collegiate softball.

“I look forward to forming new friendships and learning more about how our government works,” she said. “I believe Girls State will be a good opportunity to learn more about our government and its processes.”

Mitchell and Bedini both attended a pre-program orientation in Fort Walton Beach, preparing them for their nine-day stay in Tallahassee. From participating in mock legislative sessions at the Capitol to forming lifelong friendships with fellow delegates from around Florida, the experience promises to be transformative.

As Pettis emphasized, “Girls State is about building future leaders. We’re incredibly proud of these two young women and excited to see all they will accomplish.”