Haley Welch, a rising senior at Northside High School, attended American Legion Auxiliary Tar Heel Girls state session this week in Salisbury. She was sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary, Washington Unit No. 15.

The weeklong session provides rising seniors hands-on experience about how to form city, county and state governments. They also submit, debate and pass Tar Heel Girls state bills. During the week, outstanding speakers impart their knowledge of various government positions they hold so the citizens gain an understanding of the inner workings of a number of state agencies. The week concludes with the election of four state officials. Each of the girls registers to vote in the fictitious race and the nominees for office seek the support of the political parties formed during the week.

Haley is a member of SGA, Science Club, Key Club, FBLA and HOSA at Northside. She is a member of the St. Clair’s Church of Christ and enjoys kayaking and the outdoors. The Bath Ruritan Club provided the fee for Haley to attend the American Legion Auxiliary-sponsored program. The American Legion Auxiliary is the largest patriotic organization in the world and the state program is considered to be a premier youth program offered by the organization. Please contact Betsey Lee Hodges at blh1480@hotmail.com if interested in learning more about the organization or the program.