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Local student represents Kansas at American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation
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courtesy photo ALA Girls Nation Senators Erin Tims, left, and Madi Finch are pictured with ALASGS Director Dr. Lindsay Maudlin.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Erin Tims, Larned, is one of 100 high school seniors selected to attend American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Girls Nation July 20-27 in Washington, D.C. The weeklong program, founded in 1947, has provided exceptional civic education to thousands of students, teaching them about how the federal government works.

Tims is one of two participants who will represent Kansas as a “senator” at ALA Girls Nation. The other is Madison Finch from Leavenworth Senior High School. Two delegates from each ALA Girls State program are chosen to represent their state after participating in an ALA state-level program held across the country. At ALA Girls Nation, senators will participate in mock Senate sessions complete with caucuses and debating bills that range from personal to political interests. 

Other activities on the agenda include a visit to Arlington National Cemetery where they will place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a visit to Capitol Hill to meet with real-life U.S. senators from their state, and a tour of D.C. monuments.

Tims, a rising senior at Larned High School, was active in many ways during her week at ALA Sunflower Girls State. She also participates in many activities in her school and community, including National Honor Society, Art Club, International Club and varsity golf. She also qualified for the State Debate Tournament and the State Forensics Tournament. Tims will serve as Student Council President and National Honor Society President in the upcoming school year.

ALA Girls Nation is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our nation’s future leaders to learn about the inner workings of the federal government before they are of voting age. Students leave the program with increased confidence and leadership skills for college and in their future career paths. Some participants of the program go on to have careers in public service at the local, state, and national levels. No matter what their future holds, all leave with a better understanding of civic responsibilities. After attending ALA Girls Nation, the participants return home ready to be engaged citizens at all levels of government.

You can learn more about ALA Girls Nation online and on Facebook and Instagram.