Mundelein High School senior attends American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation
Submitted by Hope Babowice
A few weeks ago Gillian Beginski, Mundelein High School senior, was walking toward a podium in a Washington, D.C., conference room reflecting on how she would convince 100 young women from each of the 50 states to support the presidential and vice presidential candidates that she was backing to lead American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation.
"I decided to tell stories about the candidates, " Beginski said, instead of invoking a dry laundry-list of skills.
That experience was a game changer for the Mundelein teen.
"I received validation for my speech, and I realized through this experience that what I'm meant to do is fight for a cause and be an advocate for something bigger than myself," she said.
Sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, Girls State and Girls Nation invite high school students who have completed their junior year to attend simulated government proceedings and learn skills such as crafting legislation, building a coalition and developing oratorical proficiency. As many as 500 girls participate at each of the 50 Girls State programs across the country, and from those sessions two girls are selected from each state to attend Girls Nation.
In addition to government proceedings, Girls Nation packs the weeklong schedule with monuments tours, a service project, and visits to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Holocaust Museum. At the White House Rose Garden, Beginski shook hands with President Donald Trump as he addressed Girls and Boys Nation participants, congratulating them for their accomplishments, and for their patriotism - a trait they share, he commented. Beginski also visited Illinois 10th District Congressman Brad Schneider at his Washington office.
"It was a hectic day for Congressman Schneider but I was able to talk with him," she said.
She promoted Girls Nation as an instructive and empowering event.
"It's a program that deserves wider recognition and it's a great experience," she told the congressman.
"The experience taught me that in order to work with others, you have to be passionate," she said. Beginski hopes to further foster her passion for the democratic process by continuing her commitment as an election judge and identifying veterans-related organizations that need volunteers.
Mundelein High School has participated in the Girls State program for the past three years, sending eight juniors to Eastern Illinois University for the weeklong, civics-related program. The local ALA units select and sponsor each participant and underwrite the cost of attendance. This year's Illini Girls State welcomed 475 participants. At each state-level convocation, two girls are selected to participate in Girls Nation, held annually in Washington, D.C., and the ALA finances all associated costs.
Through the Girls State and Girls Nation programs, the ALA hopes to inspire attendees to become more involved in politics and in volunteering.
"This is one of the hallmark achievements for a young person, to see how they can be a part of the democratic process," said Arlene Lolley, president of the American Legion Auxiliary unit 867 from Mundelein. "Girls Nation truly represents everything that gives us pride in our nation and exemplifies how service to our country is necessary and fulfilling."
Last year, Grayslake native Hannah Groenke was elected to Girls Nation and she also was sponsored by ALA unit 867.
Contributors providing financial assistance for the Mundelein unit's Girls State sponsorships include AT&T, Mundelein Community Bank, State Senator Dan McConchie, State Representative Nick Sauer and the DoubleTree by Hilton Libertyville Mundelein.
For more information on participating in Girls State, providing financial assistance for the not-for-profit girls leadership program or becoming an ALA member, contact Arlene Lolley, at (847) 223-6769.
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