This morning, Chisholm County led our flag raising ceremony! Learning how to properly raise the flag and show respect is important to us—remove your hats and say the Pledge of Allegiance!

Today’s speaker in our ALA EGS Speaker Series was Dr. Marielena Velez De Brown—Commissioner of the Monroe County Department of Public Health and Medical Director of Starlight Pediatrics. She shared a powerful message about the role of public health in shaping strong, equitable communities. They discussed the importance of addressing social determinants of health—like housing, education, and access to care—and encouraged citizens to think beyond policies and consider the real people impacted by their decisions. It was a meaningful reminder that civic leadership and public health go hand in hand.

LOTS of work on our bills!

The Nationalists and Federalists committee members were hard at work! In order to address the issues each county faces, committee members wrote bills together! They discussed problems, crafted creative solutions and listened to each other’s concerns. With the guidance of our ALA EGS political advisors and counselors, ideas flowed and solutions flourished.

Ceremony for the Disposal of Unserviceable Flags

Tubman County led the Ceremony for Unserviceable Flags. In 1937, the American Legion passed a resolution about flag retirement ceremonies, and its members created the flag code which states that “the flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.” As such, the ceremonies are held in a specific manner. Participants stand aligned in two rows facing each other, as the unserviceable flag is reviewed by members before placing the flag on a small fire. The ashes of the unserviceable flag are buried as a sign of respect.

Tonight’s flag lowering ceremony, led by Angelou County, was a tribute to reflection and resilience. Citizens began by reading a poem by their county’s namesake, Maya Angelou, followed by a small group performance of the national anthem.

Legislative Leaders Appointed

This evening, the Majority Leader of the Senate and Speaker of the Assembly were officially appointed following a selective interview process conducted by our political instructors and party advisors.

40 speeches and a party platform? Oh yeah, we can do that!

40 speeches? But what are they for? In our mythical 51st state, citizens elect a Governor, Lt. Governor, Comptroller and Attorney General.

For example (get ready for some math)—our Feds take one room and our Nats take one room. In the Nats caucus, each county (10 counties total) nominates 1 citizen for a position. Therefore, we listen to 10 2-minute speeches for one position. Then, citizens vote for their nominee. We repeat this process three more times. That means that in each party caucus, we heard 40 speeches tonight—yes, you read that correctly! At the end of the night, the Nats have 4 nominees and the Feds have 4 nominees! We can’t wait for tomorrow’s elections!

BIG CONGRATS TO OUR NOMINEES!!!

Stay tuned to hear more about our week at ALA EGS!
Instagram: @alaempiregirlsstate | Facebook: American Legion Auxiliary Empire Girls State

Special thanks to Albright County for leading our flag raising ceremony this morning! Learning how to properly raise the flag and show respect is important to us – remove your hats and say the Pledge of Allegiance!

Today’s next speaker in our ALA EGS Speaker Series was Jennifer Premo  – Superintendent of Carthage Central School District. How does she do it all? Jennifer is a wife, mother of 6, friend – all while balancing a busy job as a leader in a male-dominated industry. 

“Leadership begins with ambition.” Her journey into a leadership role was non-linear; she took chances, leaned on her support system, believed in herself, took time to reflect and had patience…lots of patience!

“Leadership is about taking initiative even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed – by planting the seed, you open the door for growth and transformation.” We were honored to have her with us this morning! We’re feeling motivated to lift each other up and inspired to make positive change! 

LOTS of work on our bills!

The Nationalists and Federalists committee members were hard at work! In order to address the issues each county faces, committee members wrote bills together! They discussed problems, crafted creative solutions and listened to each other’s concerns. With the guidance of our ALA EGS political advisors and counselors, ideas flowed and solutions flourished.

Ceremony for the Disposal of Unserviceable Flags

Tubman County led the Ceremony for Unserviceable Flags. In 1937, the American Legion passed a resolution about flag retirement ceremonies, and its members created the flag code which states that “the flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.” As such, the ceremonies are held in a specific manner. Participants stand aligned in two rows facing each other, as the unserviceable flag is reviewed by members before placing the flag on a small fire. The ashes of the unserviceable flag are buried as a sign of respect.

40 speeches and a party platform? Oh yeah, we can do that!

40 speeches? But what are they for? In our mythical 51st state, citizens elect a Governor, Lt. Governor, Comptroller and Attorney General.

For example (get ready for some math) – our Feds take one room and our Nats take one room. In the Nats caucus, each county (10 counties total) nominates 1 citizen for a position. Therefore, we listen to 10 2-minute speeches for one position. Then, citizens vote for their nominee. We repeat this process three more times. At the end of the night, the Nats have 4 nominees and the Feds have 4 nominees! We can’t wait for tomorrow’s elections!

BIG CONGRATS TO OUR NOMINEES!!!