Isabella W. '18 spent the early part of her summer break (July 2 - July 8) at SUNY Brockport, participating as a representative of Kings County in the Empire State Girls program sponsored by American Legion Axillary.
Empire Girls State is a hands-on week-long educational workshop, focusing on Americanism and the political process, sponsored by the New York State American Legion Auxiliary. The goal of the program is to help students to better understand democratic ideals and the part we as individuals play in carrying out these ideals. This program, which has been accredited by the National College Credit Recommendation Service (National CCRS) is a non-partisan attempt to teach high school junior girls about government, politics, and Americanism.
Qualified high school juniors are selected to become citizens of and participate in creating a mythical 51st State, from the county to the state level. This mythical 51st state is divided into 11 counties, each named after famous women and the citizens, assigned to either the Nationalist or Federalist Party, experience the two party system, much like our Government. Their rigorous schedule includes participating in political campaigns, debates, and crafting bills. As the government begins to take shape, these young women come to understand their roles in a democratic society.
During their week at Empire Girls State, these students, under the guidance of the Americanism Chairman, will also learn proper flag etiquette, participate in and create either a flag lowering or raising ceremony, and participate in a POW-MIA Ceremony. The citizens will also receive information from the Department (State) President on some of the programs that are important components of our organization