WASHINGTON, D.C. – Vinemont High’s School’s Vivian (Gracie) Moody was one of 94 high school seniors selected to attend American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Girls Nation July 22-29 in Washington, D.C. The weeklong program, founded in 1947, has provided exceptional civic education to thousands of students, teaching them about how the federal government works.
Moody is one of two participants who represented Alabama as a “senator” at ALA Girls Nation. Two delegates from each ALA Girls State program are chosen to represent their state after participating in an ALA state-level program held across the country. At ALA Girls Nation, senators participated in mock Senate sessions complete with caucuses and debated bills that ranged from personal to political interests.
Other activities on the agenda included a visit to Arlington National Cemetery where they placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a visit to Capitol Hill to meet with U.S. senators from their states and a tour of D.C. monuments.
Moody, a rising senior at Vinemont High School, was active in many ways during her week at ALA Alabama Girls State. She also participates in many activities in her school and community, including marching and concert band, percussion captain, band captain, member of National Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Sigma Kappa Delta Honor Society and the Fast Track Program through Wallace State Community College.
“ALA Girls Nation is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our nation’s future leaders to learn about the inner workings of the federal government before they are of voting age,” said Donna Dillard, ALA Girls Nation Committee chair. “After attending their local ALA Girls State program and then ALA Girls Nation, the participants return home ready to be engaged citizens at all levels of government.”
Students leave the program with increased confidence and leadership skills for college and in their future career paths. Some participants of the program go on to have careers in public service at the local, state and national levels. No matter what their future holds, all leave with a better understanding of civic responsibilities.
