Above / Girls State Trailer.
In 2024, Apple Original Films released a documentary called Girls State about a week-long immersive summer program attended by girls from all around the state of Missouri. It showed how girls on the verge of adulthood took politics, democracy, and government into their own hands.
In 2025, I became a part of the Girls State story here in Illinois. Funded entirely by the American Legion, Girls State is supported locally by American Legion Post 43 here in Naperville. The Post generously sponsored my attendance. From day one, Girls State plunged me head-first into a world of politics and diplomacy alongside 200 other girls from every corner of Illinois.
The program made us build a government from the ground up. During my week at Girls State, I ran for office, gave presentations, and campaigned to the point of exhaustion. But most importantly, I learned that behind every great leader is a person who genuinely cares about others.
This unforgettable experience was a little scary at first, sure, but what started out as nervousness quickly turned to excitement as I talked to these other young women who were passionate, intelligent, and a pleasure to meet. They weren’t kidding when they said we’d make lifelong friends.
The journey has been incredible, but Girls State is just the beginning. Later in July, two girls from each state will fly to Washington D.C. for a nationwide program, Girls Nation. I’m honored to say that I was elected by the attendees of Illinois Girls State to attend Girls Nation alongside Nysa Anand.
I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to attend Girls State and for everyone who made it possible. As I look ahead to Girls Nation, I’m proud to represent my state, city, and family on a national stage.
Editor’s Note / Hannah Leong is one of 102 high school seniors selected to attend 2025 American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Girls Nation July 19-26 in Washington, D.C.
Leong is one of two participants who will represent Illinois as a “senator” at ALA Girls Nation. She’s enthusiastic about a bill she will present for debate in Washington. She also promises to send plenty of photos from Girls Nation.
