4 from Orleans attend virtual Empire Girl State

Staff Reports Posted 2 August 2021 at 8:11 am

Emily Harling, left, and Kaylee Lacey

For the second year in a row the Empire Girls State program was held virtually during to concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic.

Four from Orleans County – Kaylee Lacey of Medina, and Emily Harling, Kaylee Lacey and Leah Kania of Albion – were picked to attend the program.

Kaylee Lacey of Medina is student association secretary, and is a member of the Impact Club, Ecology and Conservation Club, marching band, swim team and softball team.

Emily Harling of Albion is an FFA officer and Freshman mentor. She helped start a recycling club. She also is a lifeguard who is a member of the swimming, soccer and track teams.

Leah Kania of Albion is vice president of Student Council, Close Up Club, Multi-Cultural Club, Freshman mentor, the musical theater program, National Honor Society, Select Chorus, marching band, Nature Trail committee, a NYSSMA participant and in the school volunteer work program.

Nicolina Creasey of Albion is the National Honor Society Secretary, a member of the soccer and track teams, and the school volunteer work program.

Leah Kania, left, and Nicolina Creasey

They were among 360 young women selected to attend the 80th American Legion Auxiliary Girls State session. As part of the annual program, outstanding students are chosen from their local high schools to spend a week learning about the inner workings of state, local and county government.

This premier leadership conference is designed to provide practical insight into the workings of the government, promote youth civic engagement, instill a sense of pride in America, and empower the next generation of women leaders, providing them with a network that lasts a lifetime.

The program included workshops lead by a political instructor, presentations on women in leadership, Activities that inspired patriotism and pride, as well as information on the American Legion Auxiliary.

“The ALA Girls State experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young women across our state and while we couldn’t hold the program in person, our team worked hard to ensure that this cohort of High School Juniors get to learn some of the important principles of democracy and about the American Legion Auxiliary ” said Jennifer Farley, American Legion Auxiliary Girls State chairman. “Our hope is that after attending the virtual ALA Girls State, the girls will be inspired to participate in the democratic process, volunteer in their communities and be filled with patriotism and pride.”