EL MONTE — Five California Girls State delegates from El Monte Union High School District were recognized by the Board of Trustees during its Sept. 16 meeting.
The students attended American Legion Auxiliary California Girls State, a summer civic leadership program sponsored and operated by the American Legion Auxiliary. The Girls State Alumnae Foundation (GSAF), a volunteer-run nonprofit, supports California Girls State and its alumnae through funding, scholarships, internships and professional connections.
Five Schools Represented At Girls State
The district recognized Kate Vargas of Arroyo High School, Amber Phan of El Monte High School and Amber Tellez of Mountain View High School. Trustees also honored Destiny Franco of Rosemead High School and Alina Ramirez of South El Monte High School.
Their participation gave each of El Monte Union’s five comprehensive high schools representation at the statewide program.
American Legion Auxiliary units sponsor delegates from the schools they support. Students are selected after completing their junior year, and the program generally limits participation to one delegate per school.
The 2026 California Girls State session took place June 22-27. During the program, delegates learned how local, county and state governments operate.
Students formed simulated governments and participated in elections, public speaking and group decision-making. The activities give delegates direct experience with civic institutions and public service.
The American Legion Auxiliary has sponsored Girls State programs nationally for decades. California’s program began in 1940 and brings together students from communities across the state.
California Girls State Delegates Study Government
The American Legion Auxiliary operates California Girls State, while GSAF serves a separate supporting role.
Founded in 2006, GSAF raises money to support California Girls State and provides opportunities for program alumnae. The foundation offers scholarships, internships, networking and professional development.
That distinction is important when describing the five El Monte Union students. Vargas, Phan, Tellez, Franco and Ramirez were selected as California Girls State delegates, not GSAF delegates. GSAF supports the program they attended and provides resources for its alumnae.
Information about the foundation and its work is available from the Girls State Alumnae Foundation at cagsaf.org.
Program Promotes Civic Participation
California Girls State is a nonpartisan program focused on citizenship and participation in government.
Delegates organize into fictional cities and political parties while learning how government functions. They campaign for offices, vote in elections and participate in activities modeled on California government.
Information about the program, its history and delegate experience is available at cagirlsstate.org.
For El Monte Union, the Sept. 16 recognition highlighted students from El Monte, South El Monte and Rosemead.
The board recognition also highlighted the organizations behind their experience. The American Legion Auxiliary operates the civic leadership program, while GSAF provides financial and professional support that helps strengthen California Girls State and its alumnae network.
