American Legion Auxiliary Virginia Girls State this week marks a half-century of partnership with Longwood, a remarkable achievement that has seen generations of high-schoolers spend a week learning about and participating in state government activities.
“We have a wonderful relationship with Longwood,” said Emily Hall Gregory ‘04, M.S. ‘12, ALA Virginia Girls State director who is in her second year at the helm of the program. “It’s great to see the same faces year after year. They know the program and we know them and that makes planning and putting on a great week that much easier.
My favorite thing about Girls State is that these girls come from every corner of Virginia. Many of them only know their locale and the people around them.
Emily Hall Gregory ‘04, M.S. ‘12, ALA Virginia Girls State director Tweet This
Each summer, ALA Virginia Girls State participants form a new “state within a state,” a mock political structure in which participants elect their own delegates and leadership, pass legislation, and learn important lessons about how government works. Participants, most of whom are nominated by their school, conduct the affairs of municipal government after breaking up into eight “cities,” each named for an historic Virginia figure.
“My favorite thing about Girls State is that these girls come from every corner of Virginia,” said Gregory. Many of them only know their locale and the people around them. I love that we mix them up when we put them into cities, so people from Northern Virginia or the Shenandoah Valley get to know the cares and needs of people from Southern Virginia or Hampton Roads.”
Each year, participants hear from a slate of public servants who detail their role in government. This year’s featured speakers included First Lady of Virginia Suzanne Youngkin, Richmond Mayor Lavar Stoney, Secretary of the Commonwealth Kelly Gee, and Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Delegates Jay Pearson.
ALA Virginia Girls State began in 1947, and has been held on the campus of Longwood University since 1974. The program is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, and provides participants an opportunity to learn the mechanics, objectives, and ideals of democracy. Since its inception, nearly one million young women nationwide have had the opportunity to attend the weeklong program.
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