Richardton area student to compete in national mock government competition

Jason R. O'Day, The Dickinson Press, N.D.
·2 min read

Jul. 23—WASHINGTON, D.C. — With political tensions in America high and continuing to rise, it's crucial to teach the next generation of patriots about civic engagement and statesmanship. The

American Legion

has been doing this for three quarters of a century through its Boys Nation and Girls Nation mock government program.

Michaela Mitchell of Richardton, North Dakota, is one of 100 young women selected to attend the 75th American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation session July 23-30 in Washington, D.C. As part of the premier ALA program, two outstanding high school seniors are selected to represent their respective state as senators at ALA Girls Nation after participating in one of 50 ALA Girls State sessions held across the country.

ALA Girls Nation is a seven-day leadership conference that provides aspiring young women leaders with practical insight into how the federal government operates, instills a sense of pride in our country, and promotes youth civic engagement. Many participants of the program go on to have careers in public service at the local, state, and national level.

Mitchell, a rising senior at Prairie Canyon Homeschool Academy, was active in many ways during her week at ALA Flickertail Girls State. She is involved in many other extracurriculars and community institutions such as 4-H, TeenPact, Science Olympiad, American Legion Auxiliary, National Federation of Music Clubs and St. Stephen's Catholic Church.

At ALA Girls Nation, Mitchell will participate in mock senate sessions complete with caucuses and debating bills that range from personal to political interests. Their schedule also includes a visit to Arlington National Cemetery to honor our nation's fallen heroes, a community service project and a tour of the D.C. monuments.

"ALA

Girls Nation

is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our nation's future leaders to learn about the inner workings of the federal government before they are of voting age," said Nancy Magginnis, ALA Girls Nation Committee chairman. "After attending their local ALA Girls State program and then ALA Girls Nation, the girls return home ready to be engaged citizens at all levels of government."