Soon to be Stanley-Boyd High School senior Cassidy Kodl was elected Lieutenant Governor at the American Legion Auxiliary Badger Girls State (ALABGS), a civics and leadership program held annually at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh from June 15th to June 20th. With more than 500 young women from across Wisconsin participating, Kodl’s election was a noteworthy accomplishment and a proud representation of her local community.
Dianne Weggen of the American Legion Auxiliary expressed her pride and enthusiasm for Kodl’s accomplishment, calling it a meaningful achievement for both Kodl and the local Auxiliary community. “She took the opportunity to run for the high office of Lieutenant Governor of the state of Badger and WON!”
Weggen explains that the American Legion Auxiliary Badger Girls State (ALABGS) is a week-long government and leadership conference designed for young women completing their junior year of high school. Sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, the program offers a hands-on approach to learning about state government through active participation. Attendees become “citizens” of a fictional 51st state called “Badger” and operate under the structure and laws modeled after those of the State of Wisconsin. They learn about local, county, and state government by running for office, debating legislation, and passing laws, all modeled after the structure of Wisconsin’s state government.
Throughout the week, delegates live in assigned cities, elect officials, and pass laws at the city and county levels. They also engage in writing and debating party platforms, attend bill hearings, and take part in patriotic events such as a flag disposal ceremony and the presentation of blue star banners to military families. The program emphasizes civic engagement, leadership, and patriotism, aligning with the ALA’s mission of “God & Country,” and includes daily activities such as non-denominational prayers and the Pledge of Allegiance.
For Kodl, the journey from Stanley-Boyd to the campaign trail at Badger Girls State was both exhilarating and demanding.
“While I was there, I even decided to run for the State’s Lieutenant Governor!! To work towards earning this title, I first had to get around 40 signatures from the citizens of Badger that were in the same (ASSIGNED) political party. I was assigned to the Federalist party,” Kodl explained. “Afterwards, I had to speak at the Federalist Party’s convention… while there, I had 45 seconds to speak to the people on why they should vote for me, what I would do for the State, and how I would complete certain tasks.”
Her campaign intensified with primary elections, hallway speeches, and handmade posters covering dorm walls. She continued: “For the next few days at breakfast, lunch, supper, and in the halls, I campaigned to ALL of the citizens of Badger, not just my political party members.”
Kodl went head-to-head in a formal debate, answering tough open mic questions alongside her opponent from the Nationalist Party. In the general election, she secured her victory with 288 votes to 196.
“At the inauguration ceremony the following night, I was surprised with my Aunt Virginia Kodl (a member of Thorp’s Legion Auxiliary) coming and watching me get sworn into office. Wisconsin State Governor, Tony Evers, even made a special appearance and signed my official Wisconsin Blue Book,” she recalled of the exciting moments.
Kodl’s term will last until next summer’s session, and she already has a busy calendar ahead.
“I will be considered the Lieutenant Governor for the next year, until the next session happens, and will fulfill duties such as: speaking at the School Board meeting on the 21st, speaking at the Veteran’s Day program, the Thorp, Boyd, and Stanley Legions, as well as help with Thorp’s Memorial Day service (as I am a member of Thorp and their Jr. American Legion Auxiliary),” Kodl said.
Beyond politics and public speaking, Kodl found friendships, late-night talks, and unexpected reunions.
“I made so many memories that week. So many unforgettable and unique experiences that will be logged in my head forever!!” she said. “Some of my favorites that come to mind… include staying up till midnight talking with my dorm-mates, then proceeding to wake up at 5am everyday just to get a shower (communal bathrooms - we stayed in the UW-Oshkosh residence halls). The debates where all citizens could go up to the mic and ask to change parts of our constitutions… these got pretty heated but were so fun to participate in and witness!”
One especially memorable moment involved a surprising reunion with a fellow delegate she had met months prior in a Starbucks line at the Wisconsin Dells during a previous FCCLA State conference and competition. “Turns out… we ran into each other in the Starbucks Coffee line, asking each other what drinks to buy… that happened two months prior to Badger Girl’s State, and is by far my favorite memory!”
Kodl not only returned from Badger Girls State with a new title, but with a renewed sense of purpose. When asked what she’s looking forward to most in her new position, she responded:
“To be a voice and inspiration to other young women, and teach people about the government and how we can make a difference through democracy.”
Kodl also added heartfelt gratitude to those who made her journey possible:
“Thank you to Badger Girls State, my newfound friends, and the American Legion Auxiliary for creating such an incredible program and showing hundreds of girls what we can accomplish when we work hard, work together, and look past each other’s weaknesses to instead see strengths. Thank you to everyone who supported me and to all of the Citizens of Badger that are now like sisters!”
Cassidy Kodl’s election as Lieutenant Governor at Badger Girls State is a testament to her determination and commitment to civic engagement. Representing Stanley-Boyd High School and the Thorp American Legion Auxiliary, Kodl brought pride to her community and gained valuable experience that will serve her well in the future. Her story reflects the spirit of the program—empowering young women to lead, serve, and make a difference through informed participation in government- and is a powerful reminder of the impact one determined voice can have.