ACHS teen chosen for leadership program

Danielle Sanderson Six area students competed in the annual Girls State program at Claremont McKenna College earlier this month. Participants run for office, create and enforce laws, engage in mock trials, publish a daily newspaper, form an orchestra and create political platforms.

The weeklong program, put on by the American Legion Auxiliary, is intended to be a handson learning experience that promotes leadership, responsibility and confidence while developing public speaking and teambuilding skills.

The American Legion Auxiliary selected students Rebecca Sadwick from Westlake High School, Danna Seligman of Newbury Park High School, Jessica Moxley of Thousand Oaks High School, Christina Burcelis of La Reina High School, Samantha Nordlund from Oaks Christian High School and Danielle Sanderson of Camarillo High School.

The girls were chosen based on their "high moral character" and academic standings. They also must have an interest in government.

"It's an experience unlike any other," Sadwick said. "It combines politics and friendship and fun games all into one. All of us learned so much. It was an experience I don't think any of us will ever forget."

Sadwick served as the president of the senate during the program; she said it helped her better understand what the U.S. government is facing now.

"It was a really interesting experience for me," Sadwick. "I saw how difficult it is to pass a bill and how difficult it is to get people to agree. We saw 72 pieces of legislation and only eight were passes in the senate and the assembly and were sent to the governor." Since its inception in 1937, Girls State has involved nearly 1 million young women nationwide. Representing more than 10,000 communities, the American Legion Auxiliary is committed to community service, education, volunteerism and advocacy on behalf of American veterans.

For more information, go to www.calegionaux.org.