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ALA SD Girls State
  • Home
  • Our Story
  • Why Apply?
    • The Experience >
      • Delegate Resources
    • Patriotism
    • Scholarship
    • ALA SD Girls State Officers and Honors
    • Delegate Information
    • Commonly Asked Questions
  • Journalism City
  • Contact
  • Informational Videos
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Our Story

Back in the depression ridden days of the early 30s, the American Legion grew concerned over public statements to the effect that Democracy was "on the skids." How, it wondered, could America train its young people in the processes of self government as effectively as Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany seemed to be training their youth in the totalitarian forms of government. Deciding the best way to learn was by practicing it, American Legionnaires began, in 1935, gathering teenage representatives together for a few days each summer in a citizenship training program on the processes of city, county and state Government. They called it "Boys State." As the program succeeded and spread throughout the United States, the American Legion Auxiliary began a similar program for girls. Thus "Girls State" was authorized in 1937-38, and is now established in 50 Departments in our Nation.
 
American Legion Auxiliary South Dakota Girls State was founded at Mitchell in 1947. It met regularly each year on the campus of Dakota Wesleyan University until 1985, when it was moved to the campus of South Dakota State University, Brookings. In 2002, the program was moved to the University of South Dakota, Vermillion. It is under the sponsorship of South Dakota Department of the American Legion Auxiliary. From an enrollment of 117 girls in 1947, ALA SD Girls State has grown to its present enrollment of over 400 girls.
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Greetings from the ALA South Dakota
​Department President

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Welcome to South Dakota American Legion Auxiliary Girls State 2022
 
On behalf of the members of the Department of South Dakota American Legion Auxiliary, I would like to welcome you to Girls State 2022. I congratulate each of you on being chosen to represent your school and community. As a Girls State delegate, you have been given the opportunity to be a part of an outstanding program that deals with all areas of government, from city to federal.

This week you may be asked to step outside of your comfort zone and be asked to get involved in many different aspects of running a government. I encourage you to take that opportunity because many young women have not or will not have this opportunity. I for one did not attend Girls State when I was in high school. My first opportunity was two years ago when I was given the opportunity to serve as a volunteer. While only being there for two days that year, I was so impressed with the program and all the work that Cheryl Hovorka and Tiffany Newman (now French) along with counselor and volunteers put forth to make this the outstanding program that it is. Last year, I attended the whole week and enjoyed every minute of it.

This week you will first take the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Girls State Oath and becoming a members of the ALA South Dakota Girls State. Throughout the week, you will meet girls just like you who may be a little nervous (which understandable) but also those who outgoing. Whichever you may be, remember to step outside of your comfort zone, you may just surprise yourself.
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Each year, the ALA Department of South Dakota elects a president and for the year 2021-2022 I was elected to serve in that capacity. Now, let me tell you, I never dreamed that I would be in this position. And like you, I had to step outside my comfort zone. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Once again, on behalf of all the members of the Department of South Dakota, I say congratulations and I hope that this week will be filled with education, laughter and a deepened love for God and Country. 

 
Mary Jo Stier
South Dakota American Legion Auxiliary President 2021

T H E   T E A M

Our Staff
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Tiffany French 
ALA SD Girls State
​Director/Chairman
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Meghan Grassel 
ALA SD Girls State
​Assistant Director
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​Amber Turner 
ALA SD Girls State
Dean of Counselors
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​Emily De Beer 
​ ALA SD Girls State
Dean of Junior Counselors

Meet the Governor...

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Nyapal Chuol - ALA Girls State Governor 2022

Hello 2023 ALA South Dakota Girls State Citizens,

Congratulations! I am thrilled to welcome you to this year's ALA South Dakota Girls State delegation. Your selection as a delegate is a testament to your hard work and dedication to excellence. During Girls State, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the “behind the scenes” of local, county, and state government, while also meeting tons of new people and creating lasting bonds. In the time span of six days, you will have the opportunity to chat with, laugh with, and create with hundreds of other people in the exact same boat as you. As you embark on this exciting journey, I want to remind you that being a leader in your community requires not only great responsibility, but also empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Throughout the week, it is important to practice empathy as you interact with your fellow delegates, who come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

As you set out on this transformative journey to Girls State, it may seem like a world of unknowns, but Elsa made the journey, so I have full confidence in you to do the same. It may seem terrifying at first; trust me, I understand! My number one piece of advice is to embrace that fear and do it anyway. Everyone is doing the exact same thing you are, thinking the same scary thoughts, and feeling the same scared way, so you already have something in common! What you should do is channel those feelings and go talk to someone new! The knowledge you gain and the relationships you build are worth more than any title you’ll receive at Girls State.

As I realize that the information I have just shared with you may seem overwhelming, I have some more advice for each of you: get involved! Run for office, make posters, and attend your vespers! If you're stuck somewhere for a week, you might as well make the most out of it and make some mems along the way! Finally, don't be afraid to reach out to your counselors, the ALA ladies, and your super-duper helpful governor for help, we are here for your support and only want to see you succeed. Please, don’t let anything hold you back, make the most of Girls State and be the best version of yourself.


Nyapal Chuol
2022 ALA South Dakota Girls State Governor
American Legion Auxiliary Staff
ALA Department President
Joyce Smith

ALA Department Secretary
Regina Whipple

ALA Department Treasurer 
Carol Edwards


ALA Girls State Registrar/Registration
Irene Hovorka

Store Manager
Teresa Huntimer

Office Manager
Melissa Hessman

First Aid 
Susie Clyde

Craft Manager
Kathy Geraets

Chorus Director
Chris Larson
Senior Counselors
New York


Chicago


Philadelphia


Detroit


Los Angeles


Cleveland


Baltimore


St. Louis


Washington


Boston


Miami


Seattle


Minneapolis


St. Paul


Journalism City


Junior Counselors
Minnehaha


Brown


Beadle


Pennington


Codington


Hughes


Brookings


Journalism City
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  • Home
  • Our Story
  • Why Apply?
    • The Experience >
      • Delegate Resources
    • Patriotism
    • Scholarship
    • ALA SD Girls State Officers and Honors
    • Delegate Information
    • Commonly Asked Questions
  • Journalism City
  • Contact
  • Informational Videos