American Legion Auxiliary Unit 193 of Chapin has selected five delegates to attend the 79th annual session of ALA Palmetto Girls State, which will be held June 7-13 at Presbyterian College.
Palmetto Girls State is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of South Carolina, and is part of a nationwide program designed to educate young women about government, citizenship, leadership, and Americanism through hands-on participation in a mock governmental system.
The delegates selected by Unit 193 are Mullins Gore, Elizabeth Kujawa, Ava Howard, Anna Gray, and Riley Nicandro. The students represent Chapin High School and Spring Hill High School and were chosen through a competitive selection process that included both a speech and an interview.
Each delegate receives a $450 scholarship from the Auxiliary to attend the weeklong program. The session culminates with activities at the South Carolina State House, providing participants with firsthand experience in governmental procedures and civic leadership.
Each year, two outstanding delegates from Palmetto Girls State are selected to attend ALA Girls Nation in Washington, D.C., where they join representatives from across the country for an advanced leadership and government program.
The delegates will be recognized during a reception on Aug. 16 at American Legion Post 193 in Chapin, where they will share their experiences and insights gained during the weeklong session.
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 193 leaders said they remain proud to support a program that helps educate and inspire future leaders while fostering a deeper understanding of government and civic responsibility.
Caption: American Legion Auxiliary Unit 193 members and 2026 Palmetto Girls State delegates gather following the selection process. Pictured, from left, are Kathy Smith, Marthalyn Schimsa, Carmen Goulet, delegates Elizabeth Kujawa, Mullins Gore, Anna Gray, Ava Howard and Riley Nicandro, along with Mary Plexico and Girls State Chairperson Debra Royer.
