Mineral Wells Senior Emma Waggoner Honors Grandfather’s Legacy at Texas Girls State

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Mineral Wells Senior Emma Waggoner Honors Grandfather’s Legacy at Texas Girls State

June 23

15:23 2025

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By Amy Bearden

Emma Waggoner, a senior at Mineral Wells High School, spent her 17th birthday in the Texas Senate chamber — the very place where her grandfather, State Senator Tom Creighton, once served.

Taking on the role of Senator for “City C” during Texas Bluebonnet Girls State, Waggoner capped the day by introducing the motion to adjourn — a symbolic and memorable end to a special birthday and a powerful tribute to her family’s legacy of public service.

Creighton represented Senate District 22 from 1967 to 1983, championing key legislation that continues to benefit Palo Pinto County and beyond. He authored the bill that created the Palo Pinto County Hospital District, secured the establishment of Lake Mineral Wells State Park, and was instrumental in transforming North Texas State University into what is now the University of North Texas, where his official senatorial library and records are housed.

He also sponsored a groundbreaking bill allowing women to attend Texas A&M University, a measure that faced stiff resistance at the time. Today, two of his granddaughters have earned degrees from Texas A&M — one with a master’s — and Emma Waggoner plans to follow in their footsteps after graduating in 2026.

Emma’s mother, Michelle Waggoner, called the experience “the icing on the cake,” reflecting on how special it was to watch her daughter serve in the same chamber where her grandfather once passed laws that shaped the region.

*Emma Waggoner and Iona Echianique both attended Texas Girls State in Austin which is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary*

Also representing Mineral Wells at Girls State this week is fellow MWHS senior Iona Echanique, who joined Waggoner in the weeklong leadership program.

Texas Girls State, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, brings together high-achieving students from across Texas to learn the workings of government through immersive mock elections, legislative sessions, and civic engagement.

Both Waggoner and Echanique were selected based on their academic performance, leadership qualities, and strong commitment to their communities — proudly representing Mineral Wells and Palo Pinto County at the Texas Capitol.