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Last June, Hollister High junior Rachel Hartman was one of 500 girls chosen from across California to attend the American Legion Auxiliary California Girls State Program at Sacramento State College. For five days, the girls participated in a mock legislature, discussing and debating real issues and learning about politics and government.
“It was great, and I learned a lot,” Hartman told BenitoLink. “I met several very successful alumni who benefited from the program and went on to do great things. Knowing I was a part of something that big was empowering.”
On Jan. 28, Hartman related her experiences to 15 high school girls selected by their counselors as her possible successor in the position of honor. She discussed her activities in Sacramento and her role in the mock government.
“I wasn’t aware before I went how jam-packed the schedule is while you’re there,” she said. “There are so many things to learn and new things to do.”
Hartman said the first step in the program is to elect delegates to represent fictitious city, county, and state offices, concluding with the selection of one girl as governor. She was elected as the city manager of the “city” of Pleasant on the first day.
“From there, we moved on to county positions,” she said. “We chose which parties we were, either a Nationalist or a Federalist, I was a Nationalist and very proud to be Nationalist!”
One of Hartman’s jobs was to help create a history of Pleasant, its heritage and what made it unique. She then attended mock city manager meetings, learning the process of city governance.
“I planned the city expo,” she said, “which highlighted our city. I worked closely with the mayor to create rules for our city—you can make it whatever you want, like the world is your oyster. It’s whatever you want to make out of this experience.”
Hartman finished the program and rose to the position of deputy attorney general. She assisted in and researched evidence for a Supreme Court case. She said that she learned a lot about herself in the process and considered it an important experience anyone could benefit from, particularly before leaving for college.
“It shows you what it’s like to be on your own and independent,” Hartman said, “knowing what kind of experience you’ll have for the next four years—learning how to talk to people who may not have the same experiences but knowing how to compromise and create a team.”
Delegates are sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 69 in Hollister. Esther Lepore, committee chairman for the Girls State program, said the program empowers the delegates with the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to engage in civic responsibility, foster inclusive communities and drive positive change in society.
“Through experiential learning, mentorship and teamwork,” she said, “we cultivate a diverse generation of informed citizens who are equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow and uphold the principles of democracy, integrity and service to others.”
Junior Kylie Varnes, 16, attended the presentation and was enthusiastic enough about what she heard to put in her application for the delegate spot.
“I’ve always been interested in how government works,” she said. “This seems like a very immersive and hands-on program. I love learning new things, and it seems to be a good opportunity for that.”
Varnes said she hopes to be a delegate and thinks it’s important for everyone to learn more about the inner workings of government.
“It’s literally the basis for our entire society,” she said. “So if you don’t know how it works, then you’re kind of at a loss for understanding everything else that is going on.”
Mary Andrade, a specialist with the College and Career Center at Hollister High School, said attending the program looks very good in a college resume packet.
“It also allows students to learn more about government processes,” she said. “So anyone who is looking to further their college education along those lines, it’s a great opportunity to actually immerse themselves for a few days in the summer.”
Besides the California Girls State program, the Women’s Auxiliary sponsors an essay writing contest for grade school students, Youth Hero and Good Deed awards, as well as several scholarships. For more information, email alapresident69@gmail.com.
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