Alabama Girls Sate: How to be an Active and Patriotic Woman of this Country

by: MaryEllis Killough, class of 2026

MaryEllis campaigned and was elected Girls State Speaker of the House.

This spring, I was asked countless times if I was excited to go to Alabama Girls State. To be completely honest, I had no idea what I was getting into. All I knew was that every school sent one girl to participate in a week-long program, where we would participate in mock legislative sessions and listen to speakers. Little did I know, it was so much more influential and exciting than some mock debate and boring lectures. I was about to embark on a week full of amazing opportunities, surrounded by some of Alabama’s brightest minds. The lessons and connections I was about to make would last a lifetime and teach me more about myself.

MaryEllis with Saint James alumnae and U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco ’98.

The whole week was orchestrated by the American Legion Auxiliary and hosted at the University of Alabama. Depending on the floor and area you were dorming at the Tutwiler dormitory, you were placed into a fictional Alabama city and county. I was a part of the city Wiregrass in Jordan county (3rd floor). We were further divided into separate political parties, Federalists and Nationalists, that organized their own platforms and elected primary candidates. Then, we were divided among the two congressional chambers, where I presided, to debate bills.

MaryEllis (right), pictured with past STJ Girls State delegate, Anna Dickey ‘23.

Everyday, we experienced different aspects of our duties as a citizen of Alabama and America. From literal experiences, like plurality voting and parliamentary process, to the less concrete, like voicing your opinions and understanding the freedom of this country, we learned what it meant to be an active and patriotic woman of this country.

We heard from an array of powerful voices from all sides of society, like Senator Britt, State Treasurer Boozer, Governor Kay Ivey, and many more. My favorite was a former North Korean citizen and popular internet personality, Yeonmi Park. She, as well as many of the other speakers, detailed the events that lead them to this very moment. All of them expressed how deeply important our democracy is and how we are the future leaders of that very system.

All in all, the experience was amazing. I have never felt more confidence in my and I am eternally grateful to Saint James for sending me. #Wearesaintjamesschool