The summer going into my senior year, I attended Girls State, where 200 or so girls come together to build their own government. Unexpectedly, this week-long program at FSU run by the American Auxiliary became the highlight of my summer.

I started contacting my Legion Post 138 Sophomore year about Girls State. To be selected to go, I had to be sponsored by a Legion, so I wanted to get to know about mine. After emailing back and forth with 138, I was excited to attend the program. At the end of my Junior year, I could finally apply. 

The application process is two steps: filling out a paper application (discussing my achievements, extracurriculars, and questions regarding why I wanted to attend Girls State) and an in-person interview. About 20 minutes after I had my in-person, I was chosen as a delegate.

After being selected to attend the program, there was a questionnaire that I had to fill out before I attended Girls State. The packet includes questions about how our government functions, two interviews with government officials, and I had to write my own bill. 

Fast forward to the day I left for Girls State. A bus picked me up along with other delegates at a designated location, often a Legion, and drove up to FSU in Tallahassee. Once I arrived at FSU, I was given a floor and respective dorm room to stay in with one other roommate. The girls who stayed on the same half of the floor as I became my “city” members. Every floor of the dorms is split into two “cities” which make up a county.

Throughout the nine days spent at Girls State, I ran for city positions as well as “higher” positions like spots in the Senate, House of Representatives, Supreme Court Justice, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor (highest position). The last three days I spent at the State Capital. Senators spend the days in the House of the Senate, Representatives in the House, Supreme Court Justices in the Court, and Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and other officials in a separate office. As a member of the House, I was able to sit in an actual Representative’s seat and use their voting buttons to vote on whether to pass or veto Girls State bills (like the ones I wrote in the questionnaire). 

I was not the only girl to represent Academy at Girls State. Brooke Brindise (‘25), said “Girls State was a good experience because it taught me more about how our government operates in the House of Representatives and the Senate. I also had fun quickly becoming friends with girls from all over Florida.”

Izzy Donaldson (‘25) also attended Girls State. In fact, this year she is Co-President of the L.E.A.D club which helps Academy girls apply to Girls State while also educating students about government. Donaldson said, “Girls State was an amazing experience where I not only got to learn more about politics and get hands-on experience with parts of the Florida Government, but I also made friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Girls State connects to L.E.A.D. because it is a good educational opportunity in the realm of politics and teaches you how to advocate for yourself.”

If you are planning to apply to Girls State, here are some things I suggest doing:

• Start reaching out to your legion ahead of time, it is always helpful that they know who you are before you begin the official application process.
• If you are not selected as a delegate, you may be chosen as an alternate. It is not guaranteed but alternates often are called to attend.
• Start filling out the questionnaire as soon as you receive it, if you wait until the last second to get it done, it can feel very overwhelming.
• Once at Girls State, do not be afraid to campaign for positions. The program can feel competitive, but campaigning can be fun and who knows, maybe you will be the next Governor.
• My number one tip is to be friendly with your other city members, they will ultimately be your best friends throughout the program (shoutout to Palatka!).