Immaculate Heart High School junior Ysabel Diaz will represent the school this summer at the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Girls State Program at Claremont McKenna College.

Immaculate Heart High School junior Ysabel Diaz. (photo courtesy of Immaculate Heart High School)

The ALA’s Hollywood Unit 43 recently selected Diaz as a delegate following an extensive interview process. Junior Gina Rue was named first alternate, and junior Joah Yu was selected as second alternate. Diaz will join other high school juniors from throughout California at the week-long program to learn more about state government.

Diaz’s participation will be financed by a grant from ALA commander Donald Schilling in honor of his late wife Marjorie, who served as administrative assistant to Immaculate Heart principal Virginia Hurst for 10 years before retirement.

“I was really surprised when I was selected to be a Girls State delegate this year,” said Diaz, who called her selection “an amazing opportunity.” The Glendale resident said she is looking forward to meeting other students with similar interests, specifically in government and the legal system.

Approximately 20,000 young women participate in the ALA Girls State programs each summer. Using a nonpartisan curriculum, participants play the roles of government leaders, and campaign as “Federalists” and “Nationalists” to become elected officials in their mock States. During the program, the delegates live in “cities” in a dormitory on a college or university campus.

Founded in 1906, Immaculate Heart High School serves female students in the 6th through 12th grades. The school is located at 5515 Franklin Ave. For information, call (323)461-3651, or visit www.immaculateheart.org.