Boys State has been a program of The American Legion since 1935, when it organized to counter the fascist-inspired Young Pioneer Camps at that time. By 1937, the American Legion expanded the program for females, and the “Girls State” program was born.
This year, the Wiley B. Murray Post of San Saba will sponsor a high school student for the Girls State program. It is one of the most respected and coveted experiential learning programs presented in the United States. It is a nonpartisan program that teaches young women responsible citizenship and love for God and Country. Since the inception of the program, nearly one million young people have had the opportunity to learn first-hand how their state and local government works.
The program epitomizes the American Legion’s mission to honor those who have brought us our freedom through our enduring commitment to develop young women as future leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. The young women become knowledgeable of the democratic process and how our republic form of government works at the state and national levels.
Leia Kilman, a junior at San Saba High School, has been recommended and selected to attend this year’s Girls State. The training will take place at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas, from June 18th through June 24th. Leia is the daughter of Wallace and Marissa Kilman. Her family includes one brother in the 9th grade and one sister who is currently in college.
She has been a part of the Student Council for three years and the National Honors Society for one year assuming the role of reporter. Within these, she has participated in volunteer activities with the Salvation Army and the Angel Tree Project. Leia has been a part of the San Saba Golden Armadillo Band for four years and has done color guard for three of those years. She has assumed many leadership positions in the band including Assistant Drum Major, Color Guard Captain, and Chaplain. Leia is also a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce for the city of San Saba. She hopes to attend Angelo State University in the fall of 2024 seeking a degree in microbiology.
Each summer, approximately 20,000 young women participate in weeklong Girls State programs across the nation. Every American Legion Girls State program operates with the same patriotic values through a nonpartisan curriculum where students assume the roles of government leaders, campaigning in mock parties (often called “Federalists” and “Nationalists”) to become mayors and county and state officials of their Girls State.
High school girls, who have completed their Junior year, spend an intensive week of study, working together as self-governing citizens at Girls State programs in every state (with the exception of Hawaii). Participants learn how to participate in the functioning of their state's government in preparation for their future roles as responsible adult citizens. The learning, experience, memories, and friendships last a lifetime.