El Monte Union’s Board of Trustees honored five students on Sept. 3 as Girls State Delegates for their participation in the American Legion Auxiliary’s 2025 summer leadership program at the State Capitol in Sacramento. Girls State Delegates Brigette Rodas of Arroyo High, Tina Nguyen of El Monte High, Brianna Sanchez of Mountain View High in El Monte, Van Do of Rosemead High, and Daniella Valencia of South El Monte High shared slideshows recounting their week in Sacramento. Each received a certificate of recognition and a Disneyland backpack in tribute to their commitment to civic engagement.
About Girls State Delegates
American Legion Auxiliary California Girls State is a nonpartisan program that brings together rising high school seniors for an immersive experience in government, citizenship and leadership. Delegates attend a one-week session on the campus of California State University, Sacramento, where they learn by “doing” in mock city councils, county governments and state legislative assemblies. The 2025 program ran June 14–19 at CSU Sacramento and was open to students completing their junior year, with local Auxiliary units selecting one delegate per high school and providing scholarships to cover expenses. Nearly 300 Auxiliary units across California raise funds year-round to sponsor outstanding students.
Girls State Skills and Activities
During the program, delegates run for and hold offices at city, county and state levels. They draft, debate and vote on bills in a simulated legislature and participate in mock trials to understand judicial processes. Workshops on parliamentary procedure teach students how to conduct meetings under Robert’s Rules of Order, while public-speaking sessions build confidence and persuasion skills. Through consensus-building exercises, participants learn negotiation, collaboration and civic advocac. Service-learning projects and flag-ceremony drills deepen their respect for the U.S. flag and the sacrifices of veterans.
Celebrating Local Girls State Delegates
For El Monte Union delegates, Girls State offered an unparalleled chance to forge friendships with peers from across California and to gain firsthand insight into public service. “It was empowering to debate real-world issues and to see how government works from the inside,” Rodas told trustees, citing her role as a city council member in the mock session. Nguyen said her time as a county judge candidate sharpened her critical-thinking skills, while Sanchez noted that campaigning for state office taught resilience and teamwork.
Community Relevance and Next Steps
By attending Girls State, these young leaders return home with enhanced civic literacy and a renewed desire to serve their communities. The program’s alumni include judges, legislators and public-service leaders who credit Girls State with inspiring their paths. El Monte Union schools encourage parents and community members to support future delegates by attending local Auxiliary fundraisers and learning more at the American Legion Auxiliary California Girls State website (www.cagirlsstate.org).
