Legion Auxiliary Honors 2012 Girls State Delegates at Tea

The American Legion Post 283 Auxiliary held a Girls State Tea on Sunday, May 6 to honor this year’s delegates, alternates and their families at the Legion Hall on La Cruz.   ’California Girls State is a prestigious leadership program of the American Legion Auxiliary which has been in existence for 69 years,’ said longtime Palisadian Vi Walquist, Girls State chairman, District 24.   ’The program is designed for 500 of our most outstanding juniors in high school who come together for a week in the summer to increase their awareness and knowledge of the governmental process while learning about the responsibilities of citizenship,’ Walquist continued. ‘In the process, the delegates develop a greater appreciation of our flag and country. They also learn not only more about themselves but form lasting friendships and have a fun week which they will remember for the rest of their lives.’   She pointed out that the American Legion Auxiliary is the largest patriotic women’s organization in the nation.   The Palisades Unit sponsors 10 schools, including Palisades High, Brentwood School, Saint Monica, Archer School for Girls, Lighthouse Christian Academy, Malibu High, Notre Dame Academy, Santa Monica High and University High.   Hollywood Unit 43 sponsors three schools. ‘Together we form District 24,’ said Walquist, whose husband Paul is a past commander of Post 283.   ’Our 2012 girls were phenomenal,’ said Walquist, describing the May 6 tea. Guest speaker Lisa Lee (past Girls State and Girls Nation delegate) was inspirational, the sandwiches and sweets delicious and all homemade, and the atmosphere was electrifying. We had more than 100 attendees, and the members of our Palisades Auxiliary felt so good because we were able to fulfill one of our goals of serving our community and nation.’   The Girls State delegates and one alternate who have a Pacific Palisades connection include delegate Eunice Lee of Los Angeles, who attends Palisades Charter High School; delegate Juliana Bond of the Riviera, who attends Brentwood School; delegate Cambria Lagana of Marquez Knolls, who attends Saint Monica Catholic High; and first alternate Natalie Gigg of the Huntington, who attends Marymount High.   In addition, delegate Sierra Wiley, who attends University High, lives in Brentwood and her father is an active member of the Sons of the American Legion at Post 283.