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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
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  • 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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2021 ALA South Dakota Girls State Brochure
Auburn Brenner - ALA Girls State Governor 2021

Hello 2022 ALA South Dakota Girls State Citizens,

Congratulations on being selected to be a delegate at this year’s ALA South Dakota Girls State! Being here means that you have worked incredibly hard to be the best of the best, and now you are being fully recognized for your outstanding character. Yet, as Uncle Ben from Spider-Man has said, “With great power there must also come great responsibility." Frankly, I have no idea what goes on in the world of Spider-Man, but one thing I do know is the world of Girls State. This week, you are going to be immersed—and when I say this I mean head under, fully submerged—in the inner workings of your local, county, and state governments while also learning what it means to be a true leader within your community. You are going to meet tons of new people, and together all of you are going to learn what it is actually like to be involved in government.

Now, Girls State would not work if we didn’t take part in one of the biggest responsibilities politicians have: respect for all people. During my week here in 2021, this is something that I held in the back of my mind with every interaction I had. The girls you meet will be from all over the state, and many of them won’t be quite the same as you. So, considering your differences, find a way to make new friends. Find a way to connect with each other. Girls State is not just about the elections throughout the week but the friendships you have when you go home—yes, it sounds cheesy, but trust me on this one. So, given your opportunity to be your best self here, why not try  to make someone else’s week even better? It truly doesn’t take much.

Understanding that all of the information I have just bestowed upon you may seem daunting, I have one piece of extremely helpful advice for each of you: everyone here is in the exact same shoes. Read that again. Each girl begins as a citizen who is looking to be involved in local government, thus all Girls State citizens start in the same position. So, go say “hi” to that girl in the cafeteria! Go participate in your late-night vespers! Go run for that office you’re scared of running for because, chances are, you just might win! If you need some help along the way, there are numerous girls and counselors—especially your governor—who are fully willing to help you succeed. So, don’t let anything hold you back. This is your week of self-discovery. This is your week to be who you want to be. This is YOUR week of success.

Auburn Brenner
2021 ALA South Dakota Girls State Governor
American Legion Auxiliary Staff
ALA Department President
Mary Jo Stier

ALA Department Treasurer/Secretary
Regina Whipple

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
Brooke Eidness

Chicago
Erika Schenk

Philadelphia
Kaytlyn Hilligas

Detroit
Kayla Jensen

Los Angeles
Grace Doeden

Cleveland
Rebecca Herman

Baltimore
Ashley Gustafson

St. Louis
Eva Studt

Washington
Madisen Vetter

Boston
Morgan Fuller

Miami
Mikennah Olsen

Seattle
Lynsey Klunder

Minneapolis
Kara Meisenhoelder

St. Paul
Abbey Allen

Journalism City
Emerson McClure

Junior Counselors
Minnehaha
Rachel Hovdenes

Brown
Lucy Farley

Beadle
Mya DeJong

Pennington
Taylor Schroeder

Codington
Harlie Johnson

Hughes
Christina Crouch

Brookings
Calli James

Journalism City
​Reace Guy
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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