Schools
LT senior served as senator in Girl's Nation program
Program sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary
Lyons Township High School senior Melissa Fuentes, of LaGrange Park, participated in Illinois Girl’s State, a program sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary geared toward teaching how government works while developing leadership skills and an appreciation for rights as a citizen. Fuentes was then elected out of hundreds of girls across Illinois as one of two Senators to represent Illinois at Girl’s Nation, which was held in Washington DC in late July.
Among many highlights of the program, the Senators meet and participate in a Q & A session with the President. A week is 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. Special field trips include visits to the White House, Arlington National Cemetery, monument tours, and a day on Capitol Hill meeting with state senators and representatives.
Since 1947, ALA Girls Nation has provided aspiring young women leaders firsthand experience with practical insight into how the federal government works. Two participants per state, known as “senators,” are chosen to represent their respective Girl’s State programs.
