Youth Programs

Girls State

WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT: From across the State of Nebraska, 400 soon-to-be high school seniors will be selected to attend the session of Cornhusker Girls State. The chosen delegates will spend the first week of June on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. There they will learn about their city, county and state governments. More information can be found at http://girlsstate.net/nebraska/wp/

Girls State delegates who are sponsored by their local American Legion Auxiliary Unit are selected for the program based on their leadership skills, involvement in their respective schools and communities, as well as their scholastic abilities.

 The objective of Girls State is to educate the participants about the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities in a democracy so they will return to their communities as better citizens. Delegates will have achieved a greater understanding of how our government functions, both at the municipal and state levels.

 The weeklong program is filled with activities to provide a participatory learning experience. Elections are held to fill city, county, and state positions. Citizens are divided into two mythical political parties. Activities include campaigning, party conventions, debating and voting. The highlight of the week is a visit to the State Capitol for the inauguration ceremony as well as visiting with city, county or state offices that coincide with the position to which citizens were appointed or elected. Additional activities may include sessions with the Nebraska State Legislature, District Court and the Nebraska Supreme Court.

Participants can look forward to a joint session with Boys State participants and an address by the Governor of the State of Nebraska. Also, additional activites include the selection of Girls Nation Senators and graduation ceremonies.

Girls State is a unique citizenship training opportunity that will result in delegates becoming more involved citizens in the future, aware of our unique form of government and its impact  on individuals and what makes out country great.

Contact Charlene Marchand (jcmarchand146@cox.net) for more information

Oratorical Contest

The purpose of The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students. Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, the rights and privileges of American citizenship.

Interested high school students first compete at the local American Legion Post level, with the winner advancing to the District contest. District contest winners then advance to Area competition and the four Area winners advance to the State Finals held each January in conjunction with The American Legion, Department of Nebraska Mid-year Conference. District competitors who advance to and participate in the Area contest will be awarded $100 each. The state champion receives $1,000 and then advances to the national finals held in Indianapolis, Indiana in April. The other Area finalists competing in the State Finals contest are awarded $600 (2nd Place), $400 (3rd Place) and $200 (4th Place).

There is no application for this competition. Interested participants should contact their local high school Guidance Counselor, Speech Instructor, or the American Legion Post 32 at Post32.ne@gmail.com. For more information about the oratorical contest, visit http://www.nebraskalegion.net/Programs/Oratorical.html.