MADISON – Four teenagers from Madison will learn about the mechanics of state government as delegates to 2023 Alabama Girls State.

The Auxiliary Unit of Madison American Legion, Post 229 is sponsoring the Madison delegates to the convention at Troy University on June 4-9.

Alabama Girls State is a week-long, fun-filled and hands-on learning opportunity for exceptional and intelligent young women in the state. The event is a premier youth leadership program that offers a one-of-a-kind experience. (alabamagirlsstate.com)

The 2023 Girls State delegates are Cate Curry and Lynndie Kirby, Bob Jones High School, and Ashlynn Diehl and Finley Koswoski, James Clemens High School, according to Jean Downs. Downs is President of American Legion, Unit 229 Auxiliary and Vice Commander of Post 229.

Curry’s extracurricular activities includes Student Government Association; Mu Alpha Theta; National Honor Society; honor societies for English and Kitty Hawk; AFJROTC’S teams for Marksmanship, Honor Guard, Raider, Orienteering and Drill; Spanish Club; and youth group with Madison Bible Church.

“My friend Audrey Groger and other ladies who have attended Girls State inspired me to want to be a delegate for Bob Jones,” Curry said. “Audrey and the other girls spoke very highly about meeting girls from across the state, gaining knowledge about current politics and being influenced by amazing guest speakers.”

Curry’s friends described their experiences as helpful . . . even life-changing. “Audrey has been a huge role model for me. By going to Girls State, I hope to learn, help others and positively impact others’ lives as much as Audrey has mine,” Curry said.

Curry’s parents are James Curry with Summit 7 Systems and Suzanne Curry, who teaches at Mill Creek Elementary School.

Kirby participates in Bob Jones Student Government, Student 2 Student, Ambassadors, Peer Helpers, Spanish Club, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society and honor societies for Spanish and English.

Kirby’s top excitement for Girls State is the chance to meet new people. “I love learning about new people and making new friends. The group going to Girls State is great,” Kirby said.

Her parents are Jeff and Mindy Kirby. Jeff works as an engineer for United Launch Alliance or ULA.

Koswoski is proud to represent James Clemens at Girls state. “I’m looking forward to this unforgettable experience. I’m excited to meet new friends and make memories with them,” Koswoski said.

She is involved with National Honor Society, which pursues volunteer projects on/off campus; Family Community Career Leaders of America (FCCLA), which cooks meals for non-profit groups; and Flight Crew, whose members act as sports managers.

Koswoski marches in James Clemens Color Guard, an auxiliary unit with the band. “I’ve learned to use a variety of equipment, such as flags, rifles and sabers that enhance the music in the marching band show,” she said.

A Junior Member of American Legion Auxiliary, Koswoski engages in service projects for veterans and active military. A member of Girl Scouts since kindergarten, she now participates in Troop 926 and has completed Bronze and Silver awards, is a Gold Award Girl Scout and earned the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.

Her parents are Joseph and Stephanie Koswoski. Joseph is Territory Manager at D&Y Staffing. Stephanie works as Design Consultant at Triton Stone.

Diehl participates in James Clemens Varsity Soccer, Varsity Cross Country and Track and Field for pole vault. She is President of Junior Civitan Club and participates in National Honor Society, along with societies for science, art and Rho Kappa.

She plays with Madison Blaze 05G Club Soccer and is Assistant Coach with Madison Blaze 14G.

“At Girls State, I hope I’ll learn more about the inner workings of state government system and connect with lifelong friends from across Alabama,” Diehl said.

Her parents are David Diehl, who retired from the U.S. Army, and Gwen, who is IT Project Manager with SAIC.