WHAT IS AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY BUCKEYE GIRLS STATE?
American Legion Auxiliary Buckeye Girls State is the name given to Ohio's Girls State Program, which was designed to educate Ohio's young women in the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of good citizenship.
By getting involved in the process, Delegates can learn more about City, County and State Government in one week than they will learn in an entire semester of high school.
The Ohio American Legion Auxiliary sponsors Buckeye Girls State.
The Program has been honored by such organizations as Freedom's Foundation at Valley Forge and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
What are the goals of the Program?
- To Develop leadership and pride in American Citizens
- To educate Delegates about our system of government
- To install in Delegates a greater understanding of American traditions
- To stimulate a desire to maintain our government process
How are participants chosen?
American Legion Auxiliary Units, assisted by hight school principals and guidance counselors, evaluate potential leadership qualities of young women to be interviewed for selection as Delegates or Alternates. All final selections are made by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit.
Young women are eligible to attend if they meet the following criteria:
- Are in their Junior year of high school
- Are interested in government and current events
- Have a high moral character
- Possess strong leadership abilities
- Have an above average scholastic standing
- Have a desire to learn
The number of girls in each state is determined by the state Auxiliary's available resources.
What are the benefits of attending Girls State?
Girls Sate is a nationally recognized program. Past participants have included:
- Former Texas Governor Ann Richards
- Former Miss USA Terri Utley
- Newscaster Jane Pauley
- Country music performer Janie Fricke
- Television personality Leeza Gibbons
- Brigadier General Sharla Cook
- U.S. Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn
Through hands-on experience young women have the opportunity to not only learn the mechanics of local and state government, but also learn citizenship and patriotism; gain self-confidence, poise and character.
Attendance also proves Delegates with the opportunity to apply or be select for awards, honors and scholarships. This includes Girls Nation, United States Senate Youth Program, the Samsung Scholarship and the Buckeye Girls State Endowment Scholarship.
For more information
If you would like to cosponsor a Delegate, serve on the staff or need more information about the program, please feel free to contact:
Michelle Cossman via email at mcossman@zoomtown.com
Joe Barr American Legion Auxiliary Unit 194 via email at 194aux@joebarr194.org
or mail at American Legion Auxiliary Unit 194, PO Box 424, Mason, OH 45040