Kristie Sham to Represent AHS at 2014 Girls State

BARRY CHEUNG
Staff Writer

California Girls State is a week-long leadership program of the American Legion Auxiliary Department of California that takes place during the summer. The program was created in 1940 to increase awareness and knowledge of governmental processes while learning about what comes with citizenship. Schools in California are to send one female student a year to become their representative at California Girls State. The delegate is selected by her academic performance, dedication to community service and potential as a leader. This year, AHS’ delegate is junior Kristie Sham.

“I am so honored to be able to be able to represent [AHS] as the Girls State delegate! When I found out, I was incredibly excited because this sounds like a great, unique experience for me to meet students from all [of] California. It sounds like a great program and I can’t wait to attend,” AHS’ 2014 Girls State representative Kristie Sham said.

Girls State is “where the young women leaders of today learn to be the leaders of tomorrow,” according to the Girls State Alumnae Foundation. Their goal is to provide an educational opportunity that establishes the ideals and principles of American government for the delegates that attend. In addition, to show the vision that ordinary people are the people working for the betterment of society.

“My main goal as a leader is to be reliable and continue working hard to ensure success for those after me. I want to lay the foundation to ensure others in the future will have the opportunities I have had to grow as a youth leader. In the future, I hope to find myself in a community of determined, ambitious and focused learners,” Sham said.