Summer Assignment: Try New Things
Posted on July 10, 2025
Rising senior Anna Lohmann thought she might be bored at West Virginia Rhododendron Girls State*. She wasn’t sure what to expect, but it’s fair to say she didn’t expect it to be life-changing.
It was.
Anna is a high-achieving student and the President of the Student Council. She sings on the Praise Team, participates in Young Life, serves on the yearbook staff and the drama team, and plays sports. She is a natural leader and the definition of a well-rounded student. She’s not typically afraid to try things, but when she left for Girls State, she had low expectations.
Low expectations but an open mind.
Her willingness to try something new paid dividends. Anna returned with lifelong friends, an increased understanding of the military, and a greater appreciation for all that West Virginia has to offer. Equally as important, a world of new possibilities opened for her as she listened to speakers and met girls and professionals whose experiences and achievements were different from her own. In reflecting on her week-long stay at Girls State, Anna shared, “It was literally life-changing. It was so fun! You probably listen to speakers for six hours a day, but you’re learning so much. It’s late nights, early mornings, but it’s worth it. I actually made some of the best friends, truly, I have girls that I will never forget. I left feeling so much more empowered than I was before.”
When asked if she would recommend Girls State to rising TCS seniors, Anna said, “Yes, 100%!”
She also added some thoughtful advice, “But you have to have an open mind to try new things because what you put into it is what you get out of it.”
From the looks of the photos our Warrior families submitted for this blog, Anna’s not the only one who’s trying new things this summer. Our Warriors are traveling to historical sites, serving on mission trips, and learning more about Jesus and His love for them. Students are getting baptized, working as interns, volunteering, and participating in other meaningful activities. They will return to school in August richer for the experiences they’ve had this summer.
* According to their website, West Virginia Rhododendron Girls State is a premier leadership academy that focuses on “citizenship, “leadership, and practical training in government.”
