CHESTER – Delegates to the 2022 Illini Girls State reported to members of Alva Courier Unit No. 487 at a recent meeting.
Illini Girls State Delegates Chelsea August and Kerrington Malley of Chester High School.
The Auxiliary Unit sponsored Chelsea August, Kerrington Malley and Julia Venus from Chester High School to attend the event at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Ill.
The Girls State program was established in 1937 and remains one of the most respected and coveted learning programs presented in the United States. The delegates become knowledgeable of the democratic process and how our republic form of government works at the state and national levels.
Chelsea and Kerrington reported to members about their Girls State experience. They experienced how a two-party system works as they held elections for the Nationalists and the Federalists. City and county officials campaigned and were elected. Following a caucus, primary election, general election and party convention, state officials were elected.
Each of the Chester girls ran for a local position and reported they learned a lot about civics and government. The delegates met Illinois State Treasurer and other elected officials. The college campus experience was beneficial and they continue to stay in touch with some friends made at Girls State. Both girls expressed thanks to the members for the opportunity to attend the week-long event.
Chelsea is the daughter of Jon and Angela August, Kerrington is the daughter of Ty and Nikki Malley, and Julia is the daughter of Henry and Cassie Venus. American Legion Auxiliary Alva Courier Unit #487, Evelyn Schuwerk and Carolyn Schwent each funded one of the three Chester High School delegates.
Illini Girls State delegates learn the duties of various public offices, the functions, limitations and powers of elected positions, and the duties, privileges, and rights of American citizens. American Legion Auxiliary members are proud to offer this experience to develop young women as future leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism.