Bennett representing Idaho at ALA Girls Nation

Bonner County student Brecon Bennett is one of 100 young women selected to attend American Legion Auxiliary ALA Girls Nation session in Washington, D.C., July 24-31.

As part of the program, two people are selected during the 50 ALA Girls State sessions held across the country. These students then represent their respective states at ALA Girls Nation. The six-day leadership conference provides aspiring young women leaders with practical insight into the workings of government, instills a sense of pride in our country, promotes youth civic engagement and creates friendships and memories that last a lifetime.

Bennett, a rising home-schooled, high school senior, was active in many ways during her week at ALA Idaho Girls State, including performing assignments as city councilwoman, county treasurer and Federalist Party chair. In her community, she started a non-profit, Musical for Life to provide a mechanism for children to acquire musical instruments.

A key component of the ALA Girls Nation program is the mock senate sessions in which the senators write, caucus and debate bills. Campaigns are held for elected party officials and an ALA Girls Nation president and vice president. In addition to their legislative forums, the senators hear from distinguished guest speakers and visit the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, the D.C. monuments, White House, and also meet with their respective state senators and representative on Capitol Hill.

American Legion Auxiliary members have dedicated themselves to meeting the needs of the nation’s veterans, military, and their families both here and abroad. As part of the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization, ALA volunteers also are involved in scholarships and with ALA Girls State programs.

Information: www.ALAforVeterans.org.