Hundreds of high school girls are getting to experience the world of government this week during Buckeye Girls State at Bowling Green State University.

BGS is an annual week-long event where girls from high schools across Ohio get to learn about the government through activities such as debates and elections. On Wednesday, the girls gathered for a government celebration and the announcement of their elected BGS government officials.

Similar to a real election, the girls had to campaign and be elected through caucuses and primaries.

The remaining two candidates for each position held a debate against one another and were eventually voted for in a general election. The results of this election were announced during Wednesday’s government celebration.

Ohio’s secretary of state, Frank LaRose, was present during the celebration and got to share a few words about leadership before he eventually announced the results of the election and swore the elected state officials into office.

“America needs women like you,” LaRose said during his speech. “Ohio needs women like you.”

Judge Lisa Coates of the Stow Municipal Court also spoke during the celebration and got to swear into office the BGS county and city officials.

Coates was part of BGS when she was in high school, and she said it gave her a stepping stone for her own career. Being part of the celebration is something she said lets her give back to BGS and allows her to teach leadership to the girls.

“I really want to promote with them that giving back is truly the reward, that’s what makes it special,” Coates said. “And to get them excited, I think there’s such a drop in people being happy with their government and whatever and we want to get these strong female leaders out there to take it into the real world someday.”

The newly elected officials will spend the remainder of the week learning about their position and how to do government work.

Their work will vary depending on their government position. Riley Angel, treasurer, said she will get to spend time going through forms and making sure the banking and budgets are in order while Kateri Sherman, lieutenant governor, said she will get to give speeches and help the governor.

No matter what jobs each girl will spend the rest of the week doing, Angel said she has seen everyone work hard up to this point and expects that to continue.

“They work so hard and I’m just so grateful to be a part of such a great environment that’s nurturing so many young minds that can go out and create real change in the world,” Angel said.

The celebration didn’t just focus on the results of the election, it was also a time for the girls to celebrate those in the military. Military members were celebrated through a pin presentation and music was sung and played by the BGS choir and band.

Maj. Betsy Scarberry has been representing the Air Force throughout the week and was part of BGS in high school. From experience, she said the remainder of the week will be difficult and full of emotion, but she hopes the girls continue to learn and enjoy.

“I hope they are ready to make the tough decisions and to not be afraid to say no and to really find their purpose and find their passion and lead with character, lead with integrity, and lead with their heart,” Scarberry said.

Buckeye Girls State continues through Saturday.