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In late June, Hollister High junior Rachel Hartman will be traveling to Sacramento State College, where she will join over 500 other girls chosen by local units to attend the American Legion Auxiliary California Girls State program.
From June 25 through June 30, the girls will learn about political and governmental processes by participating in a mock legislature representing imaginary cities and political parties while discussing and debating real issues.
“The girls are immersed in a week-long leadership session that teaches them the fundamentals of government,” said Esther LePore, current president of Veterans Auxiliary Unit 69 and chairperson of the program. “They commit to a platform and a party, draw up bills, and that ends with an election process.”
Before the conference starts, each girl selects a veteran to honor and wears their pin the entire week, according to last year’s winner, Hollister High senior Alexandra Favela.
“We want to emphasize our gratitude to our veterans, who created this program and gave us these opportunities,” she said. “It’s all based on their work and their sacrifice.”
At the end of the week, one girl is elected governor and is eligible to attend a Girls Auxiliary National Conference in Washington, D.C., for a similar program.
Hartman’s Hollister High School social science teacher, Christopher Lasley, nominated her to attend the conference. At first, she was unsure about going through the interview process because she had a prior commitment to a dance recital.
“I realized what a great opportunity this was,” she said. “Not just only for college but for the chance to learn more about the government and develop more as a person.”
Hartman was asked a series of questions about her grades, qualifications, involvement in the community and why she wanted to attend.
“I answered that I thought there were important issues that should be addressed,” she said. “My sister is going to law school right now. She’s given me some insight into the law, and I have come to believe that representation in the justice system is really important.“
Hartman believes that the conference will help her become better informed as she considers a future in criminology.
“I want to gain more knowledge on political issues, like gender equality,” she said. “I think that going to Girls State and learning what others are passionate about will help me both develop my own ideas and understand other important issues.”
Favela said attending the program gave her insights into leadership and working with others.
“It was very empowering to be around so many strong women leaders and girls my own age,” she said. “We talked about our futures and the changes we would like to make. You learn a lot about yourself, the people you’re around and what you can accomplish in your future.”
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