Carmel High School senior Jillian Moore had quite the summer experience.
Moore was one of 100 young women selected to attend the 75th American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation session July 23 to 30 in Washington, D.C. As part of the ALA program, two outstanding high school seniors are selected to represent their respective state as “senators” at ALA Girls Nation after participating in one of 50 ALA Girls State sessions held across the U.S. ALA Girls Nation is a seven-day leadership conference, which provides aspiring young women leaders with practical insight into how the federal government operates, aims to instill a sense of pride in the country and promotes youth civic engagement.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with amazing girls from across America,” Moore said. “We were able to debate the legislature that each state had submitted prior to our arrival in Washington, D.C., and having our voices heard was truly empowering. I’m happy to say that Indiana’s resolution was passed in our Girls Nation senate.”
Moore said visiting Washington, D.C., was an amazing experience itself, but getting to meet the Indiana senators in the Capitol was especially memorable.
“It’s really rare to have the opportunity to discuss policy with the people that make it, especially as a high school student,” Moore said.
At ALA Girls Nation, Moore participated in mock senate sessions complete with caucuses and debating bills that range from personal to political interests. Moore, who plans to double major in economics and journalism in college, has never participated in an organized debate group before.
“However, I think my writing ability and knowledge of current events made up for any lack of experience,” Moore said. “At Hoosier Girls State, I was the recipient of the Walker-White Newspaper Gift for my winning political editorial, as well as the Florence Henderson Memorial Gift by virtue of being elected Treasurer of State. I was able to utilize these skills at Girls Nation during senate sessions and while helping to write a political platform for my party.”
Moore is managing editor of the CHS HiLite Newsmagazine and president of the CHS chapter of the Quill and Scroll International Journalism High School Honor Society. She is co-president of the Green Action Club and a member of National Honor Society and Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society. Moore is also a 2022 Top Scholar and a Carmel Education Foundation digital media intern. She also is on the Greyhound Kick-off Mentor Council. She is on the varsity track and field team.
