11th-graders invited to apply for Girls State

The Girls State program sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 31 invites 11th-grade girls in Allentown to consider participating in its annual summer program, which this year will be held at Georgian Court University, Lakewood, June 19-24.

Girls State, which began in the 1930s, offers training in the practical processes of self-government and good citizenship as practiced in a democratic society. Each summer, approximately 20,000 young women participate in Girls State sessions across the nation. Participants study local, county and state government processes by setting up their own miniature city, county and state governments and administering them according to the laws of their particular state. The girls are divided into two political parties, and elections are held to fill city and state positions. Activities include legislative sessions, campaigning, party rallies, debating and voting.

Unit 31 sponsors girls in Allentown and Hamilton Township with the aid of outside sponsors. Delegates to the program are selected by American Legion Auxiliary units working with local high school educators who assist in evaluating potential leadership qualities of the delegates. Interested girls should contact their guidance department to arrange an interview, which will take place after the Easter holidays. More information is available at www.legion-aux.org.