Hernandez attended Illini Girls State at EMU

Krystal Hernandez of Waukegan attended Illini Girls State, a week long summer program dedicated to providing training for young women in city, county, and state government. Krystal was sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 281 of Waukegan.

Attendees at Illini Girls State form their own government on three levels - city, county, and state. They hear from guest speakers in the political arena (present and past), veterans and/or active service men and women, American Legion Auxiliary members, and motivational speakers.

Krystal was a guest speaker at the American Legion Auxiliary meeting where she stated that the experience was very eye opening as to the amount of work that goes into holding an office. Holding office made her realize the importance of being an active participant in her government at all levels. Krystal said she will become a registered voter when she becomes of age, knowing every vote counts! She told her listeners that "a part of this process gave me the confidence in myself that I could succeed," and to "never give up, hold your head high, and be patriotic."

Over 400 Illinois students attend Illini Girls State each year in June at Eastern Illinois University.

For more information on the next Illini Girls State event, please contact Mary Klinefelter, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 281 Waukegan, at 708-288-5854.