Kaitlyn Vigilante, a senior at Foran High School, spent two weeks this summer participating in American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) girls’ state, a competitive, ALA-sponsored mock government program.
After a week spent at the University of New Haven with the program, learning about elections and the inside of government proceedings, Vigilante was elected as one of two delegates to continue the experience in Washington, D.C. Vigilante participated in long Senate sessions, toured the Capitol and the White House, and made lasting friendships.
The program brought together young women from across the state who share a passion for government and leadership. “I really enjoyed Girls’ State because everyone was just as interested in politics as I am, and it was a great experience getting to know all of those girls,” Vigilante says.
Over the two weeks, Vigilante and her peers participated in many mock government activities, ones that lasted many hours.
Beyond the intense schedule, Vigilante appreciated the chance to connect with like-minded students from across the country and build friendships that she still maintains.
According to the American Legion Auxiliary website, “ALA Girls state delegates are a diverse group of young women with a shared desire to learn and lead.”
The selection process for ALA Girls’ State is very competitive and thorough. Local ALA units collaborate with high school educators to identify young women who demonstrate strong leadership potential.
These students are then recommended and sponsored to attend the program, ensuring that each delegate is not only passionate about government but also ready to take on the challenges of the intensive experience. This careful process helps ensure the program selects students who are ready to learn and grow as leaders.
“She is very passionate about government and politics, and she showed that interest through her performance and effort in my AP classes,” Mr. Austin Cesare says.
Vigilante’s dedication to politics clearly sets her apart, while her strong work ethic and active participation in advanced classes showcase her readiness to take on the program’s challenges and represent peers on a larger scale.
Vigilante’s experience at ALA Girls’ state gave her a firsthand look at government action and strengthened her passion for leadership and public service. As she continues to grow academically and personally, this opportunity will likely shape her future ambitions and inspire her to stay engaged in politics and her community.
