American Legion Auxiliary seek scholarship applicants

Montana’s American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Program will be celebrating it’s 70th year this coming June on the campus of Carroll College in Helena. Girls in high schools in Phillips County who have completed their Junior year are eligible to apply for the scholarship through the local American Legion Auxiliary unit. Chairwomen of the committee Carolyn Schmoeckel (654-2777) and Kari Hould (390-3552) can be contacted for additional information. There has been little to no interest in the program over the last couple years and the local Auxiliary is hoping to be able to send a delegate this year.

Application will be accepted until April 30, 2018 and can be delivered to either of the Chairwomen or by mailing to American Legion Auxiliary PO Box 714 in Malta, MT 59538.

ALA Girls State is the premier program for teaching young women about the democratic process and how our republic works at the state and national levels. Guided by the principle, “For God and Country”, the program epitomizes the Auxiliary’s mission to honor those who have brought us our freedom by continuing to train young women to be leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. Attendees develop leadership skills, an appreciation for active citizenship, and a lasting foundation for personal and professional growth. The knowledge, memories, and friendships gained at Girls State will last a lifetime.

Forty-nine states support ALA Girls State with about 20,000 young women participating in the weeklong program of nonpartisan curriculum. As Montana participants, the girls are assigned to fictional cities named after gemstones in Montana whereupon they embark in the full democratic process of seeking office, holding elections and making/enforcing laws. It is a unique and exciting government-in-action learning program. Additional activities include Capitol field trips, journalism, debate, public speaking, special distinguished speakers, a mock trial, and a talent show.

Completion of Girls State will gain many scholarship and college/university bound students extra consideration on applications as well as empower them to aspire to greater accomplishments. An application can be downloaded by going to the following online site: http://mtlegion.org/forms/girls-state.html or by contacting one of the above names.

This year’s Girls State Program will be held from Sunday, June 10 through Saturday, June 16, 2018.

Delegates to ALA Girls State are selected from girls who have an interest in government and current events, show strong leadership abilities, and have high moral character. Local American Legion Auxiliary Units sponsor the girl and pay the $300.00 fee. Delegates are required to attend the full session of ALA Girls State from Sunday afternoon to Saturday noon. All delegates must be American Citizens or show proof they are residing in the country legally. If a delegate has special needs, please annotate the application as such and accommodations will be made to the best of our ability.

MT ALA members are looking forward to another successful and fulfilling Girls State Program and celebrating our 70th year of guiding young women to become patriotic, knowledgeable stewards of freedom and democracy.