The American Legion Auxiliary is proud to announce the 70th Anniversary of its leadership program, Illini Girls State! This year’s session will be held on the campus of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL, June 13th – 19th 2010.
Illini Girls State (IGS) hosts young women (the summer between their junior and senior year of high school) from all across the state. The purpose of this program is to promote patriotism, civic involvement and the democratic process. Participants are provided practical application of Americanism and good citizenship. Emphasized is patriotism, the love of America, and the sense of individual commitment and obligation to community, state and nation. IGS is highlighted with outstanding inspirational speakers. This year’s lineup is especially impressive including, John O’Leary a burn victim stressing the importance of perseverance, Jamie Buckley Army Recruiter and Country Music Entertainer and Col. Jill Morganthaler (D – Des Plaines) just to mention a few. The participants of Girls State will also participate in a Flag Retirement Ceremony, Poppy Wreath Ceremony, POW/MIA Ceremony, letter writing campaign to currently deployed United States service men and women, toiletries drive to support Illinois Veteran’s Hospitals, a mock government and Patriotic Ceremony featuring members from each branch of service from throughout the state of Illinois. These are only a few of the activities at this year’s session of IGS.
“I am honored to be able to serve as Director of Illini Girls State. This program changed my life in 1998, when I attended and I want to be able to help provide this same experience for other young women from throughout the state. We have a very hard working staff of close to 60 women very excited to be able to provide this program to our youth,” stated Allison Martin, IGS Director. Martin went on to say, “One thing our participants share is the sense of enrichment when they leave IGS. It doesn’t matter what part of the great state of Illinois they are from, as a result of attending IGS they are inspired, enriched and provided with opportunities to go back to their communities and really make a difference. If we can instill inspiration in our youth then my job as Director is a success.”
With the ever present need for financial assistance in pursuing higher education, the Illini Girls State Program offers participants an opportunity to apply for scholarships through their attendance. An application will be sent to each girl for the Paul Powell Scholarship, should she wish to apply. This scholarship was made possible by a bequest from the late Paul Powell, Secretary of State. A Samsung Scholarship application may be requested from the State Auxiliary Office once a student is accepted to attend Girls State. This is a nationwide competition open to students who are descendants of United States wartime veterans.
Last year’s session of Illini Girls State hosted 450 young women from throughout Illinois. Fees for this program are provided by the American Legion Auxiliary. Those interested are encouraged to either contact their local American Legion Auxiliary Unit, the American Legion Auxiliary State of Illinois Office at (309) 663-9366 or contact Director Allison Martin at Allisgvrnr@aol.com or 815-222-7978.
Charleston, Ill. —
