Gordon-Booth Opens Applications for Annie’s Girls Mentorship Program

PEORIA, Ill. – Service-oriented high school junior and senior girls in Peoria are being encouraged to apply to be one of Annie’s Girls this spring, a mentorship and scholarship program started by state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, that helps cover the cost of prom and connects young women with leading mentors in the community.

“My mom instilled in me a love for service, community and family,” Gordon-Booth said. “That’s why I created a program in her memory that shines a light on our passionate, confident and ambitious young women who are the future of our community. With prom season approaching, I also want to make sure these amazing girls feel special. I did not go to prom, so I was unable to have a quintessential dress-up moment with my mom. That’s why I want to make sure the girls in our community get that special moment without worrying about the cost during these trying times.”

Named for her mother Annie Jo Gordon, Gordon-Booth’s Annie’s Girls aims to connect young leaders with mentors in the community, as well as help to take care of the costs for their prom experience. Annie’s Girls over the last few years have been connected with mentors including Mayor Rita Ali, Pink Sugar CEO Kristin Kern Snider, real estate developer Katie Kim, Peoria County Superintendent Ronda Guyton and many other successful, caring women in this community.

One girl from each of the Peoria high schools in Gordon-Booth’s district will be chosen. Applications for Annie’s Girls can be downloaded on Gordon-Booth’s Facebook page at facebook.com/JehanGordonBooth and are due to AnniesGirlForever@gmail.com by Feb. 28, 2022. To request a mailed application, or to ask any questions, please email AnniesGirlForever@gmail.com or call 309-681-1992. Winners will be announced on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2022.

“These girls are the future of Peoria, and I want to help them take the next step in their path to becoming strong leaders,” Gordon-Booth said. “I’m incredibly excited to meet this year’s Annie’s Girls, and look forward to seeing how our area youth are helping others in the same way my mom always did.” 

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