MINT HILL, NC – Local Independence High School standout Lily Todd a rising senior who attended Girls State recently has been selected to attend Girls Nation.

Todd who plans to apply to the Air Force Academy and wants to become a pilot is an outstanding student ranked in the top 5 in her class, is a good athlete as a starter on the girl’s basketball team, and is a cadet leader in the AFJROTC Unit, NC-022 at the school.

American Legion Auxiliary units across the nation proudly host ALA Girls State, a fantastic week of learning and exploring civics, citizenship, leadership, and reverence to God and country. Mint Hill American Legion Post 555 “Triple Nickel” selected and sponsored Todd to attend this year’s Girls State summer program. Cadet Todd, was also selected to attend Girls Nation in Washington DC later this summer.

Female high school students who have completed their junior year are competitively selected and are put through an interview process by American Legion Posts or Auxiliary units for the program where they experience the political process by electing officials for all levels of state government and actively run a mock government. The girls are assigned to mock cities and select a political party, the “Federalist Party” or the “Nationalist Party.”

She was also awarded the Outstanding Citizen for Blue City. The award honors students who have shown by their words and actions that they possess the qualities and characteristics to be a good citizen. This includes 10 qualities, 1. A good citizen is patriotic, 2. Model the personal qualities of good citizens, 3. Be a productive member of society, 4. Be active in their community, 5. Keep well informed, 6. Be vigilant, 7. Participate in your nation’s political life, 8. Be a mentor, 9. Be well-rounded, 10. Order your corner of the world. Todd certainly embraces many of these qualities, she has shown her commitment to good citizenship and leadership. Congratulations Lily!