A Hartland student is headed to a state leadership conference.
Paityn DeWolf of Hartland was selected to attend American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Michigan Girls State. As part of the program, DeWolf will study local, county, and state government processes during the 7- day nonpartisan political learning experience.
DeWolf, a junior at Hartland High School, was selected to attend ALA Michigan Girls State
based on academics, extracurricular activities and teacher recommendations. She also participates in many activities in her school and community, including a team captain role for the Michigan Secretary of State’s voter registration drive initiative MiVote Matters.
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.
“Paityn’s passion is studying and participating in the political arena. Her area of study will be Political Science and she will be a great addition to the young women participating in Michigan Girls State”, said Kate Gregory, Hartland High School’s principal.
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.
The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) is a community of volunteers serving veterans, military, and their families. Members also support the mission of The American Legion in improving the quality of life for veterans.
Founded in 1919, the ALA is one of the oldest patriotic membership organizations in the U.S.A. To learn more and to volunteer, join, and donate, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.
