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Craig — Kinlie Brennise may not have known it at the time, but she left a lasting impression on Colorado Sen. Jean White, R-Hayden.

Kinlie helped guide the first-term senator through East Elementary School in Craig in October during White’s tour of Moffat County School District.

Kinlie, a fifth-grader at East Elementary School, seemed “very interested in the political process,” White said.

Now, White is returning the favor.

In March, she’ll be the one showing Kinlie around, only this time they’ll be in the state Capitol, where the 10-year-old will get a taste of what life is like on the Senate floor.

White nominated Kinlie to participate in the second Girls With Goals Day on March 5. The Senate Majority Outreach Office is hosting the event, which coincides with Women’s History Month.

“I think it’s interesting that she was my tour guide, and now I get to be her tour guide,” White said.

A tour of the Capitol, lunch with White and a mock-legislative session are a few of the items on Kinlie’s itinerary for the day.

She’s “way excited,” Kinlie said. “I can’t wait.”

Seeing the nitty-gritty details of the legislative process may not seem like a 10-year-old’s favorite activity. Kinlie, though, is especially thrilled about getting the chance to draft and propose a mock bill, she said.

The Senate Majority Outreach Office stipulates that Girls With Goals nominees must show outstanding traits in sportsmanship, academics or other realms.

Fifth-grade teacher Stacy Ponikvar thinks Kinlie matches that description.

“I think that she’s definitely a role model in our class,” said Ponikvar, who will accompany Kinlie on the trip. “She has great leadership skills.

“She’s got a strong voice. She stands up for what she believes is right.”

Vicki Weber, a student teacher in Ponikvar’s classroom, agreed.

“Her work ethic and her attitude is just great,” she said. “She never gives up.”

Kinlie’s selection to Girls With Goals gives her another accomplishment to add to the list.

State senators are allowed to choose only one girl from their districts to participate in the event. Kinlie will be representing Senate District 8, which includes Moffat, Routt, Rio Blanco, Jackson, Eagle and Garfield counties.

White thinks Kinlie also will take away lasting lessons from the event.

“It’s just a wonderful experience to have her see first hand how the process works,” she said.