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Hines attends Girls State
By JAMES MEADOWS/Altavista Journal Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 16, 2008 10:24 AM EDT
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Alix Hines
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American Legion Auxiliary Girls State has provided high school juniors all across Virginia the opportunity to participate in hands-on citizenship training for 62 years.
Alix Hines, 17, had the opportunity to represent Altavista High School June 15-21 at Longwood University.
"I believe Girls State gave me a better understanding of the government," Hines said. "Before attending Girls State, I hadn't realized how much time went into preparing for elections. I also thought it was very interesting to hear how much our current governor, Tim Kaine, values education. My experience at Girls State will give me a slight advantage in next year's government class because I was able to see the election process firsthand. Girls State also prepared me to be a better citizen when I'm faced with the real world."
Just like Boys State, which was held at Liberty University the same week, Girls State was organized into cities. Hines was part of the city of Wilson team.
"I was also appointed 'fashion police' for the city of Wilson. My job was to make sure everyone was dressed suitably according to the dress code for that day," Hines said.
During the sessions, she heard Kaine, Lt. Gov. William Bolling, Nancy Redd and Tony Lineber speak.
"My favorite aspect of Girls State was hearing Nancy Redd speak," said Hines. "She was extremely inspirational and she encouraged us all to follow our dreams, respect ourselves and never give up. She is from Southern Virginia and attended Harvard. She also competed in the Miss America pageant. Her story made me realize that girls from small towns can go on to do big things."
At Altavista High School, Hines is a member of the soccer, cross country and track teams. She is involved with Future Business Leaders of America, where she is secretary and regional reporter. She is vice president of Hi-Y, and a member of the Latin Club and National Honor Society.
She has participated in various community projects through Hi-Y and FBLA. In addition, she helped with the Avoca Wine Festival, the town cleanup day and Spring Fling at Altavista Elementary School. She served as a tutor through the National Honor Society and helped raise money for Project ASK.
Recently, she went with the Lane Memorial United Methodist Church youth group on a mission trip to Texas and Mexico.
Hines is uncertain about what she'll be doing after graduating from Altavista High School next spring.
"I am interested in pursuing a career in journalism, possibly as a magazine editor," she said. "Although I have always been interested in attending Appalachian State University or Virginia Tech, I'm still searching for a school that will suit my needs for the future. I believe Girls State prepared me for college by allowing me to see how many amazing people I will get to meet."
Hines is the daughter of Ralph and Susan Hines of Hurt. She has one sister, Katie.
"I would like to thank the Rotary Club of Altavista for sponsoring my trip to Girls State," she said. "Their generosity allowed me the opportunity to meet a group of amazing girls from across the state of Virginia and voice my opinions on current issues affecting our country. Girls State also helped me begin to think about how I can voice my opinion on these issues by voting once I turn 18."
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