WASHINGTON, D.C. – Julia Nall, a senior at Bryant High School, was one of 100 young women selected to attend the 70th American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Girls Nation session in Washington, D.C., this week.
As part of the premier ALA program, two outstanding citizens, known as “senators,” are selected during 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.
Nall was active in many ways during her week at ALA Arkansas Girls State. She has also participated in many activities in her school and community, including editor of Bryant High School’s newspaper and an active member of Bryant’s Model UN and Model Arab League programs.
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 to elect 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 representatives on Capitol Hill.
“The ALA Girls Nation experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young women across our nation to learn firsthand about the inner workings of the federal government before they are of voting age,” said Pamela Ray, American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation chairman. “After attending their local ALA Girls State program and then ALA Girls Nation, the girls return home filled with knowledge, patriotism, and pride.”
