Contributed

The Joseph Charles Price Unit 107 of the American Legion Auxiliary has sponsored three young women to attend the 80th session of the American Legion Auxiliary Tar Heel Girls State this summer.

The Girls State program, which is held in every state, is an Americanism project of the American Legion Auxiliary. Tar Heel Girls State is sponsored by the North Carolina Department of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Each year, hundreds of young women from across the state are chosen to participate in ALA Girls State.

This year, J.C. Price Unit 107 is sponsoring:

• Mahogany Nicole Koontz, the daughter of Bianca Koontz. Mahogany is a student at Rowan County Early College. She is president of the Cultural Awareness Club and a member of Phi Theta Kappa and serves on the yearbook staff. In her community, Mahogany is a member of The Mission House and volunteers at Rowan Helping Ministries, and she serves with Next Generation Productions, the Democratic Party, Whammy Family and the Red Cross. Upon graduating from Early College, she plans to attend Spelman College and major in political science with a minor in filmmaking. She is a member of J.C. Price Unit 107, where she continues the American Legion legacy of her grandfather, Alvia Rankin.

• Jaliyah Lanae Oats, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Glenwood Oats Jr. Jaliyah is a junior at Salisbury High School. She is a member of the National Honor Society and plays basketball, softball and volleyball. In her community, Jaliyah is a member of Cornerstone Church, volunteers with Rowan Helping Ministries and Clothing Closet, and is a student member of the advisory board at the YMCA. Upon graduating from high school, she plans to major in psychology in college. She is a junior member of J.C. Price Unit 107, where she continues the American Legion legacy of her grandfather, the late James Leon Feimster.

• Gabrielle Corinne Sloan-May, the daughter of Ms. Lakesha Sloan and Mr. Johnnie May. Gabrielle is a student at North Rowan High School. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, Site Council and theater. In her community, Gabrielle is a member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church and volunteers with Avita Pharmacy and the VA. Upon graduating from high school, she plans to attend Belmont Abbey College to major in political science. She is a junior member of J.C. Price Unit 107, where she continues the American Legion legacy of her grandfathers, the late Thomas Elwood Curtis and the late Carl Preston McCartney.

Since the inception of the auxiliary program in 1937, thousand of young women have experienced a week full of learning, developing leadership skills, friendships and lasting memories — all while having fun.

During the week, “citizens” are grouped into cities where they organize their own local government, elect officers, prepare a city charter and conduct city activities. Citizens also assume the role of a senator, representative or lobbyist to research and write bills and resolutions for the Girls State Legislature. Each citizen is also a member of a fictitious political party, which will develop a party platform, engineer campaigns for party candidates and elect a slate of officers to govern Girls State.

In addition to the legislative workshops, Tar Hell Girls State hosts top state officials who share their views on current issues and information about their offices.

Parliamentary procedure, based on Robert’s Rules of Order, is used to conduct all meetings. A working knowledge and understanding of parliamentary procedure are essential during the week.

American Legion Auxiliary Tar Heel Girl State will be held at Catawba College on June 9-15.