Girls State

Press release:

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit #576 of Le Roy has selected five local High School Juniors girls to attend this year's New York Girls State the week of July 3rd at SUNY Brockport.

Madison Spink, Maureen Klaiber, and Allie Ingles of Le Roy High School have been selected to attend American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) New York Girls State. Selected as alternates are Carol Graves and Isabelle Blankenship of Pavilion High School.   As part of the premier ALA program, the girls will study local, county, and state government processes during this five-day nonpartisan political learning experience.

The Girls were selected to attend Girls State based on selection criteria through the Auxiliary unit and/or high school, which includes being in the top 1/3 of her class, along with consideration given to scholastic achievements, leadership, character, honesty and physical fitness. 

Representing Genesee County
Maureen Klaiber, a Junior at Le Roy High School, is the daughter of Kurt and Kate Klaiber.  She is involved in the National Honor Society, school musicals, Marching Band,  DECA, Mock Trial, Math team, and the tennis team. She has also received honors in multiple honor bands for her skills as a vocalist, percussionist, and pianist, along with recognition from the Stars of Tomorrow theater program.

Representing LeRoy Unit #576
Allie Ingles a Junior at Le Roy High School, is the daughter of  Tom and Shannon Ingles.  She participates in National Honor Society, Math team, Secretary of Student Council, Mock Trial, Metagenomics, plays and earned many honors as part of the LeRoy High School Varsity Volleyball Team and plays Varsity Tennis.  Allies is also an active member of the Jr American Legion Auxiliary for Unit #576, as well be active in the community volunteering on several service projects.

Madison Spink a Junior at Le Roy High School is the daughter of Derek and Sarah Spink.  She participates in National Honor Society, Knowledgeable Knights, Emerging Knights, Math team, Mock Trial and plays on the Le Roy High School Varsity Softball team. Outside of school is active with the Batavia Youth Bureau, Rotary Inner Act, and Our Lady of Mercy Church.

ALA Girls State attendees, known as “citizens,” receive special instruction in parliamentary procedure and organize themselves into two mock political parties. The young women then campaign, hold rallies, debate, and ultimately vote to elect city, county, and state officials. Once elected to office, delegates are sworn in and perform their prescribed duties. Attendees not elected to office are given appointments and visit the offices of those elected to share their viewpoints as citizens.

Every spring, approximately 25,000 young women across the country are selected to attend ALA Girls State programs in their respective states. Two outstanding citizens from each of the 50 ALA Girls State programs are then chosen to represent their state as “senators” at ALA Girls Nation held in Washington, D.C. in July.

Congratulations Girls.

Press release:

Samantha Call, of Stafford, is one of 360 young women selected to attend the 77th American Legion, Auxiliary (ALA) Girls State session in Brockport.

As part of the annual program, outstanding students are chosen from their local high schools to spend a week learning about the inner workings of state, local and county government.  

This premier leadership conference is designed to provide practical insight into the workings of the government, promote youth civic engagement, instill a sense of pride in America, and empower the next generation of women leaders, providing them with a network that lasts a lifetime.

A key component of the ALA Girls State program is the mock legislative sessions in which the girls write and debate bills. Campaigns are held to elect local officials and an ALA Girls State governor.

In addition to their government forums, the delegates hear distinguished guest speakers, learn various aspects of Americanism and learn about the sacrifices of the American military.

“The ALA Girls State experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young women across our state,” said Lucille Mozzillo, American Legion Auxiliary Girls State chairman.

“After attending ALA Girls State, the girls come back to their communities filled with patriotism and pride, having gained new leadership skills and built strong connections with the other girls.”

About ALA Girls State: The American Legion Auxiliary’s marquee Girls State program, first presented in 1937, is one of the most respected and coveted experiential learning programs presented in the United States. The program epitomizes the ALA’s mission to honor those who have brought us our freedom through our enduring commitment to develop young women as future leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. The young women become knowledgeable of the democratic process and how our republic form of government works at the state and national levels.

About the American Legion Auxiliary: Members of the American Legion Auxiliary, which was founded in 1919, have dedicated themselves to meeting the needs of the United States’ veterans, military and their families both here and abroad. They volunteer millions of hours yearly, with a value of nearly $3 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.