Macon East Academy junior, Bailey Nyberg said, “Attending Girls State at the University of Alabama was one of the most exciting experiences of her life.” Expressing her appreciation for the knowledge, as well as friendships, gained during the one-week event, Bailey was honored to be selected as Macon East’s 2018 delegate. The American Legion Auxiliary’s Girls State program is one of the most respected and coveted experiential learning programs in the United States. The program’s mission to honor those who have brought us our freedom through our enduring commitment to develop young women as future leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. The young women become knowledgeable of the democratic process and how our republic form of government works at the state and national levels.
Each summer, approximately 20,000 young women participate in week-long ALA Girls State programs across the nation. Every American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program operates with the same patriotic values through a nonpartisan curriculum where students assume the roles of government leaders, campaigning as “Federalists” and “Nationalists” to become mayors and county and state officials of their ALA Girls State. Bailey said that living and working as a citizen of her “city” was an educational experience beyond anything you can learn in the classroom. Since 1942, Alabama Girls State has provided a unique educational opportunity for young women seeking to develop leaders and provide a better understanding of and pride in our American government and traditions.
