Each year the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 376 selects and sponsors an Oxford Academy High School junior to attend the Empire Girls' State (EGS) leadership program at the College of Brockport in Brockport, NY. This year, Unit 376 is very fortunate to have two delegates going: Elizabeth Ryan and Sarah Camiel, both gifted and outgoing students. From June 30 - July 6, 2019, they will join over three hundred girls from across New York State, with similar high credentials. EGS is a hands-on, week-long educational workshop that focuses on Americanism and the political process. It is not unusual for the experience that girls take away from Empire Girls' State to be life changing.

Months ago, members of the Oxford ALA, had the challenging job of interviewing three, Class of 2019, high-achieving applicants from Oxford Academy High School. The junior girls had already heard great things about Empire Girls State from the 2018 Oxford EGS delegates, Genevieve Gorman and Kelsey Drewniak and their Guidance Counselor. All the students qualified by being in the National Honor Society and in the top third of their class. Consideration was given to scholastic achievements, leadership, character, honesty, and physical fitness.

The delegate chosen to go to the 2019 Empire Girls State was Ellie Ryan, with Sarah Camiel as her alternate, for the intensive leadership program. At the last minute, a space opened up. Sarah was fully prepared and Unit 376 was very happy to be able to sponsor both candidates.
You may have recently seen Ellie and Sarah in the Memorial Day parade or giving speeches at the Riverside Cemetery Memorial Day ceremony. They are both very talented and exceptional students.

Unit 376 is so proud to have such wonderful ambassadors as Ellie and Sarah to represent them at Empire Girls' State. The ALA believes that investing in young women’s education and leadership skills is investing in the future of our country.

To read more about the inspirational/educational EGS program visit: http://www.empiregirlsstate.org/ For more on Unit 376's EGS delegates, visit: http://oxford-ala.chenango.org/Events.php The Oxford Fort Hill Legion is located at 17 South Washington Avenue. For info contact the Legion at (607) 843-8166 or email events@oxfordny.com .

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