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Local students selected to attend American Legion's Girls State

By Howard B. Owens

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Press release:

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit #576 of Le Roy has selected five local High School Juniors girls to attend this year's New York Girls State the week of July 3rd at SUNY Brockport.

Madison Spink, Maureen Klaiber, and Allie Ingles of Le Roy High School have been selected to attend American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) New York Girls State. Selected as alternates are Carol Graves and Isabelle Blankenship of Pavilion High School.   As part of the premier ALA program, the girls will study local, county, and state government processes during this five-day nonpartisan political learning experience.

The Girls were selected to attend Girls State based on selection criteria through the Auxiliary unit and/or high school, which includes being in the top 1/3 of her class, along with consideration given to scholastic achievements, leadership, character, honesty and physical fitness. 

Representing Genesee County
Maureen Klaiber, a Junior at Le Roy High School, is the daughter of Kurt and Kate Klaiber.  She is involved in the National Honor Society, school musicals, Marching Band,  DECA, Mock Trial, Math team, and the tennis team. She has also received honors in multiple honor bands for her skills as a vocalist, percussionist, and pianist, along with recognition from the Stars of Tomorrow theater program.

Representing LeRoy Unit #576
Allie Ingles a Junior at Le Roy High School, is the daughter of  Tom and Shannon Ingles.  She participates in National Honor Society, Math team, Secretary of Student Council, Mock Trial, Metagenomics, plays and earned many honors as part of the LeRoy High School Varsity Volleyball Team and plays Varsity Tennis.  Allies is also an active member of the Jr American Legion Auxiliary for Unit #576, as well be active in the community volunteering on several service projects.

Madison Spink a Junior at Le Roy High School is the daughter of Derek and Sarah Spink.  She participates in National Honor Society, Knowledgeable Knights, Emerging Knights, Math team, Mock Trial and plays on the Le Roy High School Varsity Softball team. Outside of school is active with the Batavia Youth Bureau, Rotary Inner Act, and Our Lady of Mercy Church.

ALA Girls State attendees, known as “citizens,” receive special instruction in parliamentary procedure and organize themselves into two mock political parties. The young women then campaign, hold rallies, debate, and ultimately vote to elect city, county, and state officials. Once elected to office, delegates are sworn in and perform their prescribed duties. Attendees not elected to office are given appointments and visit the offices of those elected to share their viewpoints as citizens.

Every spring, approximately 25,000 young women across the country are selected to attend ALA Girls State programs in their respective states. Two outstanding citizens from each of the 50 ALA Girls State programs are then chosen to represent their state as “senators” at ALA Girls Nation held in Washington, D.C. in July.

Congratulations Girls.

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