Rice Senior Represented Vermont at Girls' Nation in DC

Rice Senior Hannah Cunningham was one of 94 high school students selected nationwide to attend American Legion Auxiliary Girls' Nation this summer in Washington, D.C.

The weeklong program has provided exceptional civic education to thousands of students, teaching them about how the federal government works.

Cunningham is one of two participants who represented Vermont as a “senator”. At Girls Nation, senators participated in mock Senate sessions complete with caucuses and debating bills that range from personal to political interests. Participants also visited Capitol Hill and had the opportunity to meet with real-life U.S. senators and watch a session to see how bills are debated. Participants are invited to meet the president of the United States at the White House, schedule allowing.
 
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our nation’s future leaders to learn about the inner workings of the federal government” said ALA Girls Nation Committee chair. Students leave the program with increased confidence and leadership skills for college and in their future career paths.

"Rice gave me the experience needed to succeed at Girls Nation by providing leadership opportunities for students. I’m excited to bring back new ideas to help drive student-centered changes here at Rice."
- Hannah Cunningham

Fifty years ago, Bill Clinton shook hands with President John F. Kennedy in the Rose Garden of the White House during Boys Nation program. About 30 years later, in January of 1993,  Bill Clinton was sworn in as the 42nd president.