It’s Rally Day — parade, campaign speeches, a Town Hall debate, and by tonight, our new state officials.

Ginsburg County led this morning’s Flag Raising Ceremony, with a rendition of “This Land Is Your Land.”

ALA Membership & Poppy Presentation

This morning’s General Session opened with ALA Department of New York President, Maureen Morgan, speaking about ALA membership. From there, Chairman Steph and Academic Coordinator Claire introduced citizens to the EGS Alumni Association — lovingly known around here as the dopest sisterhood in America — a reminder that the community citizens build this week doesn’t have to end when the program does.

Then citizens took part in an Americanism Poppy Presentation, a tribute to the red poppy’s role as a symbol of remembrance and sacrifice for those who served and died in war.

Final Push on Committees

Committee work hit its final stretch this morning. Campaign Committees put the finishing touches on their skits for this afternoon’s Rally, with Platform Committees pitching in on posters and staging. Issue Committees turned in their final bills — two per committee — before heading back to the dorms, then moved on to case studies.

County Court

This afternoon, counties held mock County Court sessions, with citizens stepping into roles like judge, district attorney, and public defender to hear cases and issue rulings — hands-on practice with the judicial side of government.

County Parade & Rally

By early afternoon, citizens had changed into their party colors — Nationalists and Federalists — and lined up for the County Parade, walking to Edwards Hall behind the state office candidates.

From there, it was straight into the Rally: 20 minutes per party of skits, chants, and full-volume party spirit, with Nationalists and Federalists facing off from opposite sides of the room.

Town Hall Debate

State office candidates then faced off in the Town Hall Debate, fielding questions submitted by citizens throughout the week. Each candidate opened with a brief statement before taking on questions for their office, with two minutes to answer and a one-minute rebuttal.

Voting followed immediately after — every county casting ballots to elect this year’s state officials.

Flag Lowering Ceremony

As evening set in, Mink County led the Flag Lowering Ceremony, including a reading about notable women in history.

State Officials Announced

The night’s biggest moment came in the evening General Session, when this year’s state officials were officially announced.

Congratulations to our newly elected ALA Empire Girls State officials:

After our state officials were announced, they were installed into their offices by ALA Department of NY President, Maureen Morgan.

ALA Girls Nation: Round 2

Right after, Party Caucuses reconvened for the second round of ALA Girls Nation selection, with yesterday’s nominees giving their speeches before citizens narrowed the field further.

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📰 Girls State Gazette — Issue 4: Becoming a Leader Our official daily newsletter covers everything happening inside ALA EGS — election results, legislative action, wellness tips, county news, and more.
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