2025 – 78th Session – Leading with Courage Inspiring Change

From the diary of Director Emily Gregory

As we started planning for the 78th session of American Legion Auxiliary Virginia Girls State, I was asked so many times, “How can you do it with one less day??” Did I know exactly how we were going to do it when we made the decision to shorten the program, no BUT did I know we could do it? YES! I can successfully say that we did it with ease AND our budget looks fabulous this year!

To help with the ALA VA Girls State budget, the Girls State Angels program was continued this year. Donors could select an aspect of our program to sponsor. VA Girls State Angels donated over $7,700 to help offset program costs this year.

A HUGE thank you to the following 2025 ALA VA Girls State Angels:

• American Legion Post 180
• Isle of Wright Ruritan Club
• Shelia Sharp, Unit 280
• ALA Unit 2, Petersburg
• Carol Campbell
• Ethel Carson
• ALA Unit 49
• ALA Unit 180
• Suzanne Ayers
• ALA Unit 17
• ALA Unit 5
• ALA Unit 176
• Andrew Yarbourgh

As an extra incentive, Girls State Angels were entered into a drawing to receive some ALA VA Girls State swag including our new blanket, tumbler, and crossbody bag. I placed all the Girls State Angels into a wheel of names and the winning name was: Shelia Sharp! (and I did take a screenshot so there was no funny business on my part)

We have plenty of merchandise in the back–All new for 2025 items–if you’d like some of our own ALA VA Girls State swag!

Along with the shortened program week, we retired the city name “Monroe” and added the city of Thomas to honor Past National President and Auxiliary Matriarch (as I lovingly called her) Peggy Thomas. I will say this city truly honored Peggy’s memory this week and were proud to be the inaugural city of Thomas.

And now for what you are all waiting for, the recap of the 78th session of ALA VA Girls State!

The 78th session of the American Legion Auxiliary Virginia Girls State program was held on the Longwood University campus from June 15, 2025, to June 20, 2025.

After arrival and city meetings, Director Emily Gregory provided a welcome and program orientation before dinner. The presiding Officer and Master of Ceremonies for our 2025 program was Eleanor Schmitt from Alexandria, Virginia, the 2024 Elected Governor of ALA VA Girls State.

After dinner, Dr. Larissa Smith, Provost of Longwood University, provided greetings from Longwood including sharing her own ALA VA Girls State story. Director Emily Gregory shared the poppy story with the delegates. The delegates enjoyed Honorary Junior President Ana Hickory’s video message that encouraged Auxiliary membership and reminded the delegates to make the most of their week at ALA VA Girls State. President Ethel Carson shared well wishes and encouragement for the week ahead. Our final speaker for our opening assembly was Sarah Hall, Fitness Specialist and Small Business Owner. She reminded the delegates that their stories are not written at 17 and to embrace the changes and turns that life will give them.

Monday morning started with what has become a favorite assembly of everyone at ALA VA Girls State–The Virginia State Police K9 handlers! There are 3 female dog handlers in the state of Virginia and they joined us for a presentation AND demonstration.

After our morning assembly, the delegates went right to work setting up offices and working to elect officials to govern the cities.

Monday afternoon, we were honored to have the Love Like Adam Foundation join us to share Adam’s story. Part of the Love Like Adam Foundation’s mission is to create awareness of potential dangers students face on college campuses, including hazing, alcohol poisoning, handling emergency situations, and other skills necessary for their health and safety on campus and off.

Party conventions led to late nights on Monday electing Party Clerk and Party Chair.

Tuesday morning started with cities in session and legislature meeting. The delegates began creating their government led by their newly elected mayors and The Virginia Girls State Legislature was in session. Another favorite assembly was held Tuesday morning–Women in Law Enforcement, led by Sergeant Jessica Shehan who previously served as an ALA VA Girls State Trooper. This year was especially full circle for her as her oldest daughter was also in attendance as a VA Girls State citizen!

Tuesday afternoon, we were honored to have 2014 ALA VA Girls State Governor, Mbiye Kasonga, return to speak. She reminded the citizens of VA Girls State that they are more than “just a girl.”

During our afternoon activity time, 2022 ALA VA Girls State Governor and current VA Girls State counselor Vicna Kawa hosted our first college panel. This was a laid back, conversation style assembly that allowed delegates to ask questions about the college application process including getting accepted and denied to your dream school.

Party conventions on Tuesday night elected candidates for Virginia Girls State Gov, Lt. Governor and Attorney General.

Wednesday morning started off busy! Pam Elam-Lipscombe worked tirelessly on our Legislative Day. Five members of the General Assembly from various parts of Virginia met with Girls State cities to discuss issues of Legislation and field questions from the ALA VA Girls State delegates.

After lunch, the delegates returned to their cities for a work session with many of them preparing for our first ever city performances that evening!

During our Wednesday activity assembly, we were joined by ALA member Sylvia Dowell who shared information about applying for financial aid and FAFSA.

That evening, the Girls Nation candidates and Party selected Governor, Lt, Governor and Attorney General candidates gave their platform speeches.

A VA Girls State favorite event, the Friday talent show was turned into city performances this year. If you didn’t watch the live stream from Girls State, I highly encourage you to find it on our Facebook page. The girls definitely brought the energy!

Thursday voting for statewide office was held, the Legislature completed their bill writing activities, and girls attended the College Fair. Jessica Gutherie, ALA VA Girls State 2005 Governor and founder of When Career and Caregiving Collide, spoke to the citizens of VA Girls State. She shared valuable lessons in leadership with us.

Thursday afternoon was special as Vietnam Veterans from American Legion Post 16 out of Lynchburg, VA came as part of our Oral History program.

Thursday evening, we enjoyed hearing the ALA VA Girls State Band under the direction of community volunteer Katherine Lusk. We also held our POW/MIA ceremony in honor of those Prisoners of War and Missing in Action in the Vietnam era.

Friday, the Supreme Court of Virginia Moot Court was in session. After Moot Court, each city’s mayor shared reflections from the week.

The afternoon Inaugural Ceremony took place installing the 78th Governor of Virginia Girls State–Susanne Locklear.

For the second year in a row, Barrett City was our model city. This year, Barrett was led by Shelia Sharp, Vicna Kawa, and Phebe Gray.

I was honored and humbled 6 years ago when I was asked to become American Legion Auxiliary Assistant Director and then Director. I honestly thought I was getting in trouble for running my mouth when I was called into an executive meeting. And with no doubt this mouth did get me in trouble over the years BUT my heart was always in a good place and all I wanted was this program to improve upon what we already had established.

I looked at my 3 years as director as ones of transition. I wanted to make our program better and stronger. We moved to online forms which greatly helped with check-in time on campus and helped to make us aware of any medical issues before the program started.

The ALA VA Girls State Angel program was started which has helped to offset over $10,000 in program costs over the past 2 years.

We named a city in honor of our own Peggy Thomas. I recommend we continue on this track and rename all our Virginia Girls State cities after influential Virginia women. (Cheryl, I have a list if you are interested)

I also made some hard decisions for our program such as capping the program size 300 and shortening the program by a day. While these decisions were not easy and popular, we now have a program that we can safely staff with the amount of volunteers we have. The smaller sized program has also made the selection process a bit more competitive and the level of girls attending is top tier! And again, with the shortened program–our budget is looking amazing this year! And we get the girls home right as they start getting sassy.

The 78th session was one of the best ALA VA Girls States that I have ever been a part of. My goal was to leave a strong program, ready for the next director and I hope I have succeeded.

Emily R.H. Gregory, 2025 Director
American Legion Auxiliary Virginia Girls State