Rep. Sullivan and AT&T Present American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Program with "Investing in Illinois Award"

Yesterday, State Representative Ed Sullivan (R-Mundelein) and AT&T proudly presented the Mundelein American Legion Auxiliary Unit 867 with a $2,000 “Investing in Illinois Award” to send aspiring high school ladies to this summer’s Illini Girls State Program. Each year, the American Legion Auxiliary sends young women from across Illinois to take part in a state-wide conference to give attendee’s a first-hand experience in the governmental process. Finalists from the state conference have the opportunity to attend a national conference.

“The Illini Girls State Program offers aspiring young women from across our state the chance to have a first-hand experience with how government actually works by forming their own government of their peers,” said Sullivan. “However, what makes this program truly beneficial is the life lessons that the young women take away and how it inspires them to serve their community and nation.”

American Legion Auxiliary Illini Girls State is a week long program dedicated to providing training for young women in city, county, and state government. They are placed into a two party system and will run for office, campaign, vote, and write legislation pertinent to Illini Girls State, as well as the state and nation.

“There are great non-profit organizations improving lives in Illinois. By supporting these organizations, we’re strengthening the communities we serve,” said Tricia Conway, external affairs manager, AT&T.

Sullivan nominated the American Legion Auxiliary, Mundelein Unit 867, Illini Girls State Program for the recognition from AT&T Illinois. The AT&T “Investing in Illinois Award” provides resources and recognition to organizations and programs that improve lives in their communities and the state. They’re focus is on advancing education, economic growth, new technologies and other essential community services.

“Girls State was so much more than just a conference on politics and government,” said Kayla Podgorski, a participant at the 2013 conference. “Having to form our own government taught us to come out of our shells and become leaders, and the chance to meet with and hear from leaders across the state is very inspiring. It’s hard to describe how beneficial Girls State really is and that is why I can’t wait to help the next group of girls attending Girls State this summer.”

Kayla, a graduate of Carmel Catholic High School and currently attending the University of Tennessee, was elected the leader of the Federalist Party by her peers in 2013. At the conference, girls are assigned to either the Nationalist or Federalist Party and run for elected office as members of those parties along with their fellow attendees.

Along with forming their own government, the girls will also hear from guest speakers in the political arena (present and past), veterans and/or active service men and women, American Legion Auxiliary members, and motivational speakers. The ultimate goal is to give young women confidence and knowledge to go forward in their adult lives and not be afraid to go for their dreams.

For more information on the American Legion Auxiliary Illini Girls State Program, visit: http://www.ilgirlsstate.org/.