Kathryn Roark, Purvis, is one of 102 high school seniors selected to attend American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Girls Nation July 19-26 in Washington, D.C. The weeklong program, founded in 1947, has provided exceptional civic education to thousands of students, teaching them about how the federal government works.
Roark is one of two participants who will represent Mississippi as a “senator” at ALA Girls Nation. Two delegates from each ALA Girls State program are chosen to represent their state after participating in an ALA state-level program held across the country. At ALA Girls Nation, senators will participate in mock Senate sessions complete with caucuses and debating bills that range from personal to political interests.
Other activities on the agenda include a visit to Arlington National Cemetery where they will place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a visit to Capitol Hill to meet with real-life U.S. senators from their state, and a tour of D.C. monuments.
Roark, a rising senior at Oak Grove High School, was active in many ways during her week at ALA Magnolia Girls State. She also participates in many activities in her school and community including Speech and Debate Team, Band, Beta Club, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Biology Club, Book Club, and Science Olympiad.
ALA Girls Nation is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our nation’s future leaders to learn about the inner workings of the federal government before they are of voting age. Students leave the program with increased confidence and leadership skills for college and in their future career paths. Some participants of the program go on to have careers in public service at the local, state, and national levels. No matter what their future holds, all leave with a better understanding of civic responsibilities. After attending ALA Girls Nation, the participants return home ready to be engaged citizens at all levels of government.
You can learn more about ALA Girls Nation online and on Facebook and Instagram.
The American Legion Auxiliary, founded in 1919, is a community of volunteers serving veterans, military, and their families. ALA members assist veterans in hospitals, advocate for veteran issues, support therapeutic creative arts festivals, distribute poppies for remembrance, and much more. In addition to serving the military community, the American Legion Auxiliary hosts ALA Girls Nation and the ALA Girls State programs that teach future leaders about government and civic responsibility. Learn more at www.ALAforVeterans.org and @ALAforVeterans on Instagram and Facebook.
