Three MHS students have been selected to represent Mundelein High School at the 2021 session of American Legion Auxiliary Illinois Girls State. The program, to be presented virtually June 21-25, provides immersive instruction in the democratic process.
The students are Anett Lorado, Giselle Prado and Marisa Spada. Due to the unprecedented pandemic, last year’s program was cancelled and students were invited to attend this year’s convocation. Prado earned a Girls Nation spot 2020 and elected to attend this year.
Girls State was established in 1935 along with Boys State to help students gain a thorough understanding of the functions of government. Doing business as the mythical 51st state, students will join hundreds of representatives from across Illinois, become representatives of one of two political parties, vie for government positions and draft legislation.
Illini Girls State typically hosts about 300 students from across the state. Two are selected as Illinois senators and attend Girls Nation in Washington, D.C., which is planned to be virtual this year. In the past five years, Mundelein High School has sent two students to Girls Nation.
The American Legion Auxiliary and the American Legion sponsor many youth programs, some that provide scholarships for college, including Boys State (cancelled for 2021), the Oratorical Contest, the Essay Contest, American Legion Baseball and Youth Cadet Law Enforcement. Mundelein High School is honored to be sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 867 and American Legion Post 867 which have provided funds for students to attend these programs. Additionally, Mundelein Community Bank and Wm. W Meyer & Sons, Inc. have funded MHS student participation in Girls State.