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RIDGEFIELD — Local nonprofit “Ms President US” focused on news and how to stay safe online in its latest session to teach young girls civic engagement and leadership skills.

The organization, which holds monthly sessions for girls in fourth through eighth grade, will culminate with an election on May 6 at the Ridgefield Playhouse to elect one of the participants Ms President of Ridgefield. The winner will shadow First Selectman Rudy Marconi for the year.

Last week’s session was led by Brenda McKinley, Ridgefield Library director, and other library staff. It taught participants how to detect whether news is true or fake, how to stay safe online and with social media.

Erica Gauquier, teen services librarian, provided the girls with resources that can be used to help their campaign, including books about issues the candidates plan to address.

The group also recently took a field trip to the State Capitol for Girls Leadership Day.

aquinn@newstimes.com