Iowa Girls State is one of the premier programs sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary and was all started by a dream of four women over 66 years ago in hopes of teaching young women about the political process. Girls State is a “learning by doing” program, which takes the girls through the entire political process.

Approximately 300 girls attended Iowa Girls State from around the state of Iowa. Natalie Stadler, daughter of Doug and Trish Stadler, Chelsea, was chosen to represent Unit #73 American Legion Auxiliary for her speaking ability and leadership skills.

Stadler will be a senior at South Tama County High School and is involved in volleyball, tennis, softball, speech, student council, club volleyball, Pam’s school of dance and the Circle of Saints Youth Group.

Girls State covers city government which is non-partisan in Iowa. Stadler was assigned to a floor, which was her city for the week. Early in the week, the girls elect their mayors and city councils, transact city business, pass city ordinances and worked on a city project for judging later. They were also divided into political parties and campaigned to get their parties candidates elected and create party loyalty. By the end of the week, they elected county and state officials. Stadler gave several speeches and was elected to Chief of Police. She was then asked to be a campaign manager for several other elected officials and at the end of the week she was elected as State Representative of the City of McLaughlin. On Friday evening, an Inauguration was held which included the closing of the final joint session of the House and Senate, the installation of the Governor and her officials, and many scholarships are awarded and the Girls Nation Senators were announced.

During the week, between campaigning, the American Legion Auxiliary President spoke about the various Auxiliary programs and there were several speakers on a variety of subjects. The presiding Girls State Governor opened and closeed each day’s session and there were several activities throughout the week such as daily flag raising and lowering, a candle-lighting ceremony, and a tour of Iowa State University. On the first day, Stadler was honored to help lower the flag during the ceremony.