Each shares about the nomination, their involvement on and off campus, and their plans for the future

Feature Image: (From left) Seraphina Jarboe, Kerry Denzel, Mylee Kuhn, Katie Denissen, and Jordan Esquibel are this year’s nominees for the Girls State Conference at the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Convention. Contributed Photo

TEMPLETON — Five young women from the Templeton High School (THS) junior class have been nominated to go to this year’s weeklong Girls State Conference, focused on learning, responsible citizenship, and leadership at the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Convention. 

This program, first presented in 1937, is one of the most respected and coveted experiential learning programs presented in the United States. The THS nominees are Seraphina Jarboe, Kerry Denzel, Mylee Kuhn, Katie Denissen, and Jordan Esquibel.

Girls State is a mock government program where American Legion Auxiliary members teach participants to become knowledgeable stewards of freedom, democracy, and being patriotic citizens. It is an honor to be nominated as less than 1 percent of high school juniors from schools throughout California are selected for this nationally recognized conference. 

Each nominee was asked to share about the nomination, their involvement on and off campus, and their plans for the future.

Seraphina Jarboe:

How did you feel when you found out you were nominated?

When I found out I was nominated, I felt excited, and honored to be considered for this amazing opportunity. Many of the nominees in past years were young women that I admire and respect, so I am truly honored to be nominated this year.

What are your plans for the future (i.e., colleges you are hoping to attend, possible majors, career goals, etc.)?

I plan on attending a four-year university. I am undecided on my exact major, but I would definitely like to pursue a career in a STEM field. I am interested in biotechnology in particular.

Kerry Denzel:

How did you feel when you found out you were nominated?

I was speechless! That was the last thing I expected to happen when I arrived at school. I’m so grateful to every staff member who nominated me. This will be an experience I will never forget.

What are your plans for the future (i.e. colleges you are hoping to attend, possible majors, career goals etc.)?

I want to major in finance or business and my future career goal is to become a CFO. My first choice for college would be to attend the University of San Diego. I fell in love with the campus and student body when I visited it last year. Additionally, I can’t wait to see the new business building that was recently completed. Lastly, I’ve also always planned on studying abroad in Europe.

Mylee Kuhn:

How did you feel when you found out you were nominated?

I was absolutely ecstatic and shocked when I found out I had been nominated. This is an absolutely amazing opportunity that I am so grateful that I get to be considered for.

What are your plans for the future (i.e. colleges you are hoping to attend, possible majors, career goals etc.)?

In the future, I hope to major in environmental studies and minor in sustainable business. As of right now, I do not have a specific university I would like to attend, but it would be an absolute dream if I were to attend UCSB. After college, I would like to open my own sustainable business that sells zero-waste products.

Katie Denissen:

How did you feel when you found out you were nominated?

When I found out that I was nominated, I was both extremely surprised and flattered. I feel deeply honored to be recognized by teachers and staff, and to be chosen to represent THS. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity.

What are you involved in on campus? (clubs, sports, etc.)

I play on the girls varsity tennis team. I am involved in ASB, and I serve as ASB secretary on the student council. I love being able to stay involved with the school through the ASB leadership class, and I enjoy being able to make a difference on campus. I am part of Environmental Club, Mental Health Awareness Club, Album Club, CSF, Interact Club, and Foreign Language Club. I also enjoy challenging myself with difficult classes with a variety of AP classes and Cuesta dual-enrolled courses.

What are your plans for the future (i.e. colleges you are hoping to attend, possible majors, career goals etc.)?

After high school, I want to attend a four-year college, hopefully at a big-city university. I am excited by the idea of studying abroad, and I am still unsure about what I want to major in. My interests are constantly changing, but right now, I am interested in pursuing neuroscience, biology, or possibly an English degree. I enjoy science, and I like writing as well. I hope that wherever I end up, I’m doing something that I’m passionate about.

Jordan Esquibel:

How did you feel when you found out you were nominated?

I was absolutely shocked and overcome with excitement when I found out that I was nominated. I remembered hearing about Girls State when I was a sophomore and finding out who was nominated in 2022. I admired and looked up to the nominees, and I couldn’t believe that I was chosen to possibly walk in their footsteps. Being nominated is an incredible honor, and I am so grateful to be part of this group of such kind and talented individuals.

What are your plans for the future (i.e. colleges you are hoping to attend, possible majors, career goals etc.)?

I have considered almost everything when it comes to colleges and possible majors — My plan is to apply to as many colleges as I can and go from there. My ultimate dream is to become a working choreographer, backup dancer, and convention teacher in the dance industry. My goal is to continue dancing through college and see where that takes me; I am currently keeping all the doors open.