Girls State program seeking high school applicants

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The American Legion Auxiliary Green Mountain Girls State program, which engages young women in a weeklong exercise in citizenship and self-government, is seeking applicants for the summer 2016 session.

High school girls who have completed their junior year are eligible to apply.

ALA Girls State participants spend an intensive week of study — Saturday, June 18 through Thursday, June 23 — on the campus of  Vermont Technical College in Randolph Center, working together as self-governing citizens and learning how to participate in the functioning of Vermont’s local and state government.

Participants spend time campaigning for local and statewide office, writing bills and passing resolutions. They also get to demonstrate what they have learned when they attend a mock-government session at the Vermont State House.

Students can pick up an application from Shannon Parker in the Green Mountain Union High School Guidance Office. Applications must be returned by Tuesday, March 1. Interviews will be part of the selection process.

In most cases, expenses associated with this program are paid by a sponsoring American Legion Auxiliary Unit, and/or local businesses and other community-based organizations.

For more information, visit its website at www.vtalauxiliary.org or contact program director Sarah Butson by phone at 802-782-1176 or via email sarahjbutson@gmail.com.