Local students headed to Delaware Girls State Program in June

Students from high schools throughout Delaware will be heading to Wesley College in June to participate in the Delaware Girls State Program sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. These students will be assuming the roles of their state legislators for this one-week program to study local, county and state government processes in a nonpartisan political learning experience.

Every spring, American Legion Auxiliary programs provide approximately 25,000 young women with a hands-on educational opportunity designed to instruct tomorrow’s leaders in the privileges and duties of responsible citizenship.

Delegates receive special instruction in parliamentary procedures and organize themselves into two mock political parties. The students then campaign, hold rallies, debate and ultimately vote to elect county and state officials. Once elected to office, delegates are sworn in and perform their prescribed duties. Citizens not elected to offices are given appointments and visit the offices of those elected to share their viewpoints with state and national officials.

Two outstanding citizens from each program will be selected at each of the 50 Girls State sessions held across the country to represent their state at the American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation programs to be held in Washington, D.C., in July.

Founded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary is the world's largest women's patriotic service organization.