Rising seniors Kristina Muhyee and Mia Negrete made the most of their summer by participating in Girls State. 

Girls State, a national program of the American Legion Auxiliary, offers participants an opportunity to live together as self-governing citizens by informing them about the duties, privileges, rights, and responsibilities of American citizenship.  

Each summer, approximately 20,000 enthusiastic young women participate in sessions across the nation. Girls State citizens participate in mock political parties, and elections are held to fill city, county, and state positions. Activities include legislative sessions, campaigning, party rallies, debating, and voting. The citizens also receive special instruction in Parliamentary Procedure. 

The delegates learn government processes by doing. They do this by setting up their own miniature city, county, and state governments and administering them according to the laws of their particular states. 

The immersive learning experience better familiarizes the participants with their duties as United States citizens and encourages their participation in the democratic process as they progress into adulthood.

Muhyee, a student at Whitewater High, called it an unforgettable experience. 

“I made lasting friendships and created incredible memories while gaining a deeper understanding of how city, county, and state governments operate. I also learned about various military roles. Although it only lasted a week, the impact it had on me will stay with me forever.” 

Negrete, a student at McIntosh High, was excited to learn about government and civic engagement, and it did not disappoint. 

“What I didn’t expect was how much the environment and the girls around me would shape my experience. Being surrounded by so many passionate, supportive, and driven young women helped me grow in ways I didn’t even realize I needed. Both the program and the people pushed me to think differently, speak up more, and believe in myself. It was a powerful reminder that leadership is just as much about connection as it is about knowledge.”