Grayslake Central Senior Chosen as State Senator for Girl’s Nation

Photo credit: American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation program

GRAYSLAKE, IL - Grayslake Central Senior Hannah Groenke was in Washington, D.C., last week after she was selected as one of two Illinois high school students to attend the American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation program in Washington, D.C. More than 400 high school students in Illinois applied to represent the state as “senators” at the annual Girls Nation, which ran from July 23 through July 30.

Groenke earned a trip to the nation’s capital after drafting a “bill” at the Illini Girls State program in June, which stated that all professionally altered photos should include a disclaimer to let people know the model’s appearance has been enhanced or changed, according to the Daily Herald. The bill was aimed at encouraging people to love themselves for who they are.

The week in D.C. was spent creating a mock legislature, submitting bills and resolutions, participating in senate sessions, holding a national convention, and electing officials such as president and vice president, according to the ALA Girls Nation website. While in Washington D.C., Groenke was selected as the chaplain for ALA Girls Nation.

Special field trips included visits to the White House, Arlington National Cemetery, monument tours, and a day on Capitol Hill meeting with state senators and representatives. ALA Girls nation is meant to give young women leaders first-hand experience with practical insight into how the federal government works.

Arlene Lolley, president of the Mundelein American Legion Auxiliary Unit 867, told the Daily Herald Groenke was first Girls Nation senator from Lake County in more than six years. The other Illinois Girls Nation senator was Phylinese Brooks from Freeport.

"It's great to see our talented students from Lake County being recognized and represented at Girls Nation," Lolley told the newspaper. "This is a terrific, life-changing leadership program and no doubt those who participate see personal growth and find professional direction as a result of their experiences. We are very happy for Hannah and wish her the best."

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