Written by Kelsey Vickers, intern with The Messenger

Kait Ross recently represented Charles Henderson High School at the 2013 Alabama American Legion Auxiliary Girls State at the University of Alabama.

“It was a very different experience,” she shared. “I have two sisters, but having around 300 girls in the same place was pretty interesting.”

Ross was one of four local teens who represented Pike County at the event.

For one week, the girls became a citizen of an imaginary state, taking part in the political life of her community, primarily through campaigning for and electing city, county and state offices.

Ross said her favorite part was getting to be a part of a city and participate in voting on bills, as well as being a member of the Senate and getting to run for different offices.

“It felt empowering,” she shared. “I was intimidated at first when I didn’t know anybody, but it got a lot better. I ended up meeting a lot of new people, and it was a lot of fun.”

She said one of the most important things she learned was how to work in a group.

“At school, I’m used to doing all the work myself,” she said. “So having a group of people working with me who were actually willing to help out was great.”

Ross is a cheerleader at her high school and is also involved in numerous other activities, including being the treasurer for her class.