Thorpe makes East history by attending Girls Nation

By PAM SCHIFF
Posted 9/18/19

By PAM SCHIFF More than ever, women are taking on powerful roles in government, business and other areas of life. Cranston High School East senior Destiny Thorpe is well on her way to joining their ranks. Thorpe was one of two participants in June's

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Thorpe makes East history by attending Girls Nation

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More than ever, women are taking on powerful roles in government, business and other areas of life.

Cranston High School East senior Destiny Thorpe is well on her way to joining their ranks.

Thorpe was one of two participants in June’s American Legion Auxiliary’s Girls State program chosen to attend the Girls Nation program in Washington, D.C., in July. She is the first student from Cranston East to receive that honor.

The trip was all expenses paid, and the students were able to hone and expand the bill writing and debating skills they learned during Girls State. The format mimicked what they did earlier in the summer, but on a national scale.

“We got to run for government positions like president, vice president, sergeant at arms, chaplain and so much more,” Thorpe said. “We made campaign speeches and posters, and we even had a rally and made slogans for those running for office.”

Thorpe was impressed with the program’s effort to promote compromise in everyday situations.

“This was truly an amazing program where everyone’s voices were heard, and you are brought together regardless of your different views and beliefs,” she said. “While I was in D.C., I got to meet the most beautiful, sweet and intelligent women from every state, each one voicing their opinions and sharing their political stances on certain issues.”

Thorpe was appreciative of the other participants and their impact on her.

“We saw so many beautiful memorials, influential people and amazing places. But by far my favorite part of this whole trip was gaining 99 beautiful, confident and empowering women as my sisters,” she said. “I love them all and thank them for their kindness and support throughout the whole week we spent together.”

The week taught Thorpe the importance of standing up for what one believes in.

“All in all, this one week taught me a lot about parliament procedure, compromise, friendship and why we must use our voices,” she said. “I will never forget how genuinely sweet, supportive and empowering all these ladies were every day and every morning, always excited for an opportunity to learn, debate and explore. The long days and hours we stayed up were filled with talking about all different kinds of political, environmental and economic issues that we were all so passionate about. There was never any yelling or screaming – only [playing] devil’s advocate, friendly debate and compromise.”

The girls also visited many famous sites around the D.C. area.

“One out of my many favorite parts of being at Girls Nation was visiting Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” she said. “It was truly an emotional and touching experience.”

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