Washington, D.C. – Katherine Brady of Williamston, a student at Wren High School, is one of only 98 young women attending the 68th American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Girls Nation in Washington, D.C., this week. In addition to representing South Carolina, she was nominated for President of Girls Nation by her party and is running in the general election which is being held today (Wednesday).
Two outstanding citizens, known as “senators,” are selected at the 49 ALA Girls State sessions held across the country to represent their state at ALA Girls Nation. This premier leadership conference, taking place July 19-26, is designed to provide practical insight into the workings of government, promote youth civic engagement, to instill a sense of pride in America, and to empower the next generation of women leaders, providing them with a national network that lasts a lifetime.
Brady was active in many ways during her week at South Carolina Girls State, including serving as Secretary of State. She has participated in many activities in her school and community including Student Government, Beta Club, and founder of Healing Harmonies service club.
A key component of the ALA Girls Nation program is the mock senate sessions where the delegates write, caucus, and debate bills. Campaigns are held to elect party officials and an ALA Girls Nation president and vice president.
In addition to their legislative forums, the senators hear distinguished guest speakers and visit the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, the White House, and other memorials in the area. Their visit to Capitol Hill includes meetings with their respective senators and representatives and the opportunity to meet President Obama.
“The ALA Girls Nation experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young women across our nation,” said Trish Ward, American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation national chairman. “After attending their local ALA Girls State program and then ALA Girls Nation, the girls return home with a passion for democracy and an appreciation for our nation’s veterans and their families.”
American Legion Auxiliary members have dedicated themselves for nearly a century to meeting the needs of our nation’s veterans, military and their families both here and abroad. They volunteer millions of hours yearly, with a value of nearly $2 billion. As part of the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization, Auxiliary volunteers across the country also step up to honor veterans and military through annual scholarships and with ALA Girls State programs, teaching high school juniors to be leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. To learn more about the Auxiliary’s mission or to volunteer, donate or join, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.
