The American Legion Auxiliary- Unit 80 met for its regular monthly meeting on Mon., Nov. 9, 2015 at 6 p.m. in the Conference Room of White and McClung Certified Public Accountants.

President Darlene Blount called the meeting to order and welcomed guests, Kayla Mitchell a senior at Straughn High School and Taran Carrasco, a senior at Andalusia High School. These young ladies were accompanied by their mothers, Joyce Mitchell and Melinda Carrasco.

Shirley Veasey, ALA member, gave an inspirational devotion and worded a prayer.

All stood for the pledge to the flag and then repeated the ALA Preamble.

Amy Bullock and Michele Biggs of the Girls State Program Committee introduced Mitchell and Carrasco and their mothers.

These young ladies were two of the recipients of ALA – Unit 80’s sponsorship to Girls State this year which was held in June on the campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

This program is designed for young women with above average academic standing, outstanding character and exemplary leadership qualities.

Mitchell and Carrasco presented an interesting program concerning their positive experiences during their week at Girls State relating to many lifelong lessons learned such as governmental affairs, local, state and national.

They participated in campaigning for office on different levels and introducing laws to be voted on and put into effect.

They were privileged to meet and hear elected officials such as Martha Roby, Kay Ivey, Young Booser and Terri Sewell speak.

They both emphasized that the program helped them with their public speaking, and helped them to become better citizens and better Americans. They made many new friends that they stay in touch with on a regular basis.

They are interested in becoming counselors for Girls State for future interested participates.

These two young ladies are very outstanding individuals and we expect to hear great things about them as they continue to pursue their educational and career opportunities.

We were honored to have Jan White join us with our other guests for refreshments prior to our business meeting.

Ladies interested in membership in American Legion Auxiliary – Unit 80 should contact President Darlene Blount at 334-343-4298 for information concerning eligibility and membership application.