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About ALA PGS

American Legion Auxiliary Palmetto Girls State is a one-week leadership and citizenship training program, created to educate outstanding high school students about state and local government and citizenship. Girls attending ALA Palmetto Girls State experience governmental procedure by simulating political campaigns, elections, and the political process. They also learn about the principles of citizenship and public service from guest speakers, expert panels and staff members.

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About the Delegates

The delegates, who are rising seniors in high school, are selected for the program based on the leadership skills and involvement they have shown in their respective schools and communities. As citizens of ALA Palmetto Girls State, the delegates are divided into groups of about 30 called “cities.” They will create local governments, devise political party platforms and ultimately elect a Senate, a House of Representatives, and state constitutional officers.

Selected for ALA PGS? 

If you’ve been selected as a participant in this year’s session of ALA PGS, congratulations! You’ll soon become a citizen of Palmetto Girls State. Click below to find out more about the week’s program and what to expect.

Meet the Staff

The Palmetto Girls State staff members are volunteers who are members of the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of South Carolina and/or have attended a Girls State program. These staff members work countless hours to ensure the program is run successfully.

Director

Sabra Denny

Assistant Director

Katie Stoughton

Education Director

Pam King

Production Director

Buffie Harper

Junior Counselor Applications

Junior Counselors are staff members who return to Palmetto Girls State the year after their delegate year. Their primary duty is to assist Senior Counselors in leading delegates through all of the week’s events. Applications for 2026 will open shortly after our 2025 week concludes.

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