River Bluff High School Senior Arionna Bell is one of 100 young women selected to attend the 74th American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Girls Nation session July 24-31 in Washington, D.C. As part of the ALA program, two outstanding high school seniors are selected to represent South Carolina as “senators” at ALA Girls Nation.

ALA Girls Nation is a seven-day leadership conference that provides aspiring young women leaders with practical insight into how the federal government operates, instills a sense of pride in our country, and promotes youth civic engagement.

To be considered for Girls Nation, Bell wrote a legislative bill prior to attending Palmetto Girls State and then ran for office in her city. She was elected by her city for the ALA Palmetto Girls State Senate. She then went through an interview as part of the selection process.

At ALA Girls Nation, Bell will participate in mock senate sessions complete with caucuses and debating bills that range from personal to political interests. Other activities on the agenda include a visit to Arlington National Cemetery where they will place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a community service project, and a tour of the D.C. monuments.

“Our South Carolina delegates have a long-standing reputation for being outstanding future leaders who are active participants in the Girls Nation program,” said Sabra Denny, Director and Chair of ALA Palmetto Girls State. “We cannot wait to see how Bell uses what she learned at ALA Palmetto Girls State and will learn at ALA Girls Nation in order to be an engaged citizen in our great community.”