Mat-Su ‘citizens’ learn basics of government at American Legion Girls State

WASILLA — Two Mat-Su girls were among more than two dozen from across the state participating in this year’s American Legion Auxiliary Girls State. Colony High School’s Lily Sessom and Lauren Leadbetter from Mat-Su Career Tech represented the Valley in the weeklong event held at Therese’s Wilderness Camp.

The camp wrapped up Friday with participants learning, first-hand, how state government, and government in general, operates. According to program co-director Ann Robinson, the program’s main goal is to offer training in the practical processes of self-government while allowing participants to garner good citizen practices in a true democratic society.

Robinson said during the week, Leadbetter’s scenario had her living in the City of Denali where she served as Police Chief. She also served in the House of Representatives and won the primary vote for the House. Sessom lived in the City of Eagle and served as clerk. Both were involved with writing bills, resolutions mock legislative sessions based on only State of Alaska procedures.

“They worked on speeches, campaign posters, community events, a talent show, writing letters to veterans thanking them for their service, participating in remembering children of the military, retirement of the colors,” Robinson explained. “We have reporters, fire chiefs, mayors, secretaries/clerks and police chiefs.”

Robinson said the entire week wasn’t spent “in session”. The young ladies also had time for volleyball, swimming, canoeing, paddle boating, hiking and even ice cream socials.

“Each summer, approximately 20,000 enthusiastic young women participate in Girls State sessions across the nation. At Girls State, the ‘citizens’ study local, county and state government processes. They do this by setting up their own miniature city, county and state governments and administer them according to the laws of their particular state,” said Robinson.

After arriving at Girls State, the girls are divided into two political parties, often named the Nationalists and the Federalists. These parties do not reflect the two major political parties in today’s system of government, said Robinson. The parties allow citizens to gain knowledge about the operation of a two-party system. Robinson said Girls State citizens participate in these instructional political parties, and elections are held to fill city and state positions.

Activities include legislative sessions, campaigning, party rallies, debating and voting. The citizens also receive special instruction in parliamentary procedure identical to that in “the real world”. Robinson said it also focuses attention on the privileges, rights and responsibilities of American citizenship.

“This learning experience better familiarizes the young women with their duties as United States citizens and encourages their participation in the democratic process,” said Robinson.

Girls State itself began as one, and two-day sessions in the late 1930s. Washington, D.C. and Delaware are credited with first launching the program. In 1939, Girls State was expanded to a week-long government education program. Robinson said since 1948, it has been a regular part of the Auxiliary’s Americanism curriculum. The program has grown from a few hundred participants to nearly 20,000 Girls State delegates annually.

Robinson said the program, has structured itself to meet the following objectives: to develop leadership and pride in American citizens, to educate citizens about our system of government, to instill a greater understanding of American traditions, to stimulate a desire to maintain our democratic government processes.

Not everyone who applies for the program makes the cut. To be eligible, they must meet the following criteria: completed their junior year in high school, show an interest in government and current events, have high moral character and leadership abilities, and have an an above average scholastic standing.

Both Robinson and state director Yvonne Lamn feel delegates are a diverse group of women who share a common desire to learn. Program delegates are selected by American Legion Auxiliary Units working with local high school educators who assist in evaluating potential leadership qualities of the delegates.

The program is funded by the American Legion Auxiliary, with some additional support coming from other civic and non-profit organizations. Little or no expense is required of the young woman and her family.

In addition to Sessom and Leadbetter, other 2017 participants from the area included: Chugiak, Alyson Ward, Victoria Lopez; Eagle River, Emily Workman, Abigail Martinez, Tamara Brabson; East Anchorage, Trinity Leritz, Nikki Kim, McKenzie Allen-Charmley; Focus Home School, Marie Gangler, Grace Christian, Abigail Beveridge; Homer, Gabrielle Gregory, Juneau Douglas, Bianca Eagan; Ketchican, Madyson Traudt, Piper Cooper, Lydia Sumrall; Ketchican High, Frances Barry; North Pole, Mackenzie O’Connor, Hannah Johnson; Seward, Ashley Guernsey, Elena Hamner; Thunder Mountain, Kathy Tran, Mayah Russel; West Anchorage, Sarah Chen, Janet Taylor; West Valley, Rebecca Manley.