Alison West and Bella Mongold

Alison West, left, and Bella Mongold were chosen by the American Legion Auxiliary to attend the 2022 Girls State event.

Two Tonawanda High School students will be Citizens at the 2022 Girls State event where they will learn lessons in leadership and patriotism thanks to the American Legion Auxiliary.

Alison West and Bella Mongold are about to have an educational experience they will never forget and one they will cherish forever. The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors the Girls’ State program, a weeklong event held at SUNY Brockport in July. The Girls’ State Citizens will learn about our government and constitution. They will build a fictitious government, participate in campaign rallies, speeches, platform committees, and create bills. West and Mongold will meet and work with approximately 300 other students from across New York State. The students will gain confidence in their roles, duties, and responsibilities as citizens in the United States of America. 

The faculty chose the nominees on the basis of outstanding qualities of leadership, patriotism, scholarship and maturity. Being nominated is an honor and a tribute to the students. West and Mongold were chosen after an interview process conducted by members of the American Legion Auxiliary.