PHOTOS: Capito Addresses West Virginia Girls State

ELKINS, W.Va. - Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) traveled to Elkins, W.Va. to address participants of the Rhododendron Girls State at Davis and Elkins College. Started in 1941, Rhododendron Girls State is structured on the principles of Americanism, citizenship, and leadership.

"Girls State is an event I look forward to participating in every year, and I'm so glad I had the chance to speak to this impressive group today. These women go above and beyond, exemplifying the programs core values of citizenship, leadership, and patriotism. I'm grateful to Girls State's continued commitment to instilling the values we hold dear in West Virginia's next generation and empowering them with the courage and confidence to become the future leaders of America," Senator Capito said.

"Rhododendron Girls State is honored to consider Senator Shelley Moore Capito as one of our own. Her tremendous contributions to the state of West Virginia would be difficult to quantify and the positive impact of her work has been transformative for the state. Her career has shown young women that standing up to be counted is important and finding your voice is not enough…you need to use it for good," Rosemary Thomas, Director of Rhododendron Girls State, said.

Photos from the event are included below:

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) addresses Girls State at Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, W.Va. on Monday, June 8, 2026.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) meets with Rhododendron Girls State President Kaitlin Hall at Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, W.Va. on Monday, June 8, 2026.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) meets with Rhododendron Girls State participants at Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, W.Va. on Monday, June 8, 2026.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) meets with Rhododendron Girls State participants at Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, W.Va. on Monday, June 8, 2026.

# # #