Dacula Student Part of Patriotic Women's Service Group

The American Legion Auxiliary is the largest patriotic women’s service organization in the world. This organization has local Auxiliary units across communities nationwide serving veterans, their families and their communities through various outreach programs.

This year, Morgan Lundy of Dacula High School was selected to attend the Georgia Girls State conference held at Georgia Southern University. Lundy was selected from 298 girls who attended the event to serve as one of the two State Senators to represent Georgia at the American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation event in Washington, D.C. This event is a premier leadership conference that provides these young “senators” a glimpse into the American government while instilling a sense of pride and loyalty to our country as well as helps the members create friendships and memories that will stay with participants throughout their lives.

JoAn Adams, a college and career coodinator at Dacula High School, said Lundy is driven to succeed.

"She sees no limits. Her natural leadership abilities inspire her to see the potential in every situation and to apply her talents to the benefit of those around her," Adams said.

Here is a what Lundy had to say about her recent experience:

Patch: How did it feel to meet the President Obama?

Lundy: Absolutely amazing! The atmosphere before he entered the East Room at the White House was indescribable. We were all so excited! When I got the chance to meet him I was completely and totally awestruck. He was so charismatic!

Patch: What did you learn from this experience and how has it impacted you and your education?

Lundy: I am so thankful for everything I learned as a part of these programs. I learned about our national and state governments and how they work, specifically the legislative process of proposing, debating and passing bills. I also learned a lot about the electoral process. In order to obtain the position of Senator for the State of Georgia and represent Georgia at Girls Nation, I went through an intense week of campaigning with my peers, drafting and delivering speeches and interviewing with our counselors. Through this process, I learned a lot about myself and my abilities, both personally and professionally. Learning about our government and my own strengths and weaknesses has impacted me by providing a new perspective about what it means to be an American and how I can use my talents and abilities to be the best citizen possible.

While at Girls Nation, I also had the opportunity to personally meet a Holocaust survivor and several wounded soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan at Walter Reed Hospital. These people and so many others that I met during both programs taught me about life, endurance through hardship, patriotism, and the value of maintaining a positive attitude during difficult circumstances!

These lessons and the memories of the incredible people that I met are what impacted me the most, and are the most valuable things that I gained through my involvement in Girls State and Girls Nation.

Patch: Do you have any advice for younger students who may be considering joining The American Legion Auxiliary Girls Program?

Lundy: Do it! Girls State and Girls Nation are truly life changing programs. Meeting and becoming friends with so many wonderful girls from all over our state and our nation is such a great experience. You will get the chance to do things that you never would have imagined doing - like meeting the President!My advice is to get involved in the program, and give it your all! The American Legion Auxiliary Chattahoochee Unit 251 in Duluth was my Post Sponsor for Girls State and I was the first Georgia State Senator to be elected from their Post. Post 251 would love to have more girls interested in the program for next year. Talk to your school counselors during your junior year and find out how you can become a part of the tremendous Girls State program in Georgia! Make it a summer that you will remember forever.

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