The American Legion Auxiliary Department of Massachusetts will be holding its annual Girls State Program at Stonehill College in Easton from June 13 to June 19. 

Ms. Sophia Silva, daughter of Natalie and Felipe Silva of Milford, has been chosen by the Sgt. John W. Powers Post American Legion Auxiliary Unit #59 as the 2026 Delegate to Massachusetts Girls State. Sophia is a Junior at Milford High School and is an honor student. She is a member of SADD, Cure Club, Newspaper, Tri-M National English Honor Society, National Spanish Society, Yearbook Committee and Concert Choir. More than 30,000 students have participated in this program since its inception in 1945.

Students from across Massachusetts will come together to participate in this week-long study of local and state government. The citizens will establish and operate their own municipalities, form political parties, nominate candidates for office, conduct campaigns, and participate in elections.

Speakers, such as State Senators and Representatives as well as other community leaders, will speak to the students about their experiences as well as answer questions about their experiences. Students will learn the responsibilities of different branches of government, and the qualifications and benefits of many of the leading professions in political science.

At each ALA Girls State program, two representatives are chosen to travel to Washington D.C. to participate in civics on a national level at The American Legion Auxiliary’s Girls Nation program. They will travel to the capital, visiting many landmarks and historical sites while learning about our nation’s government. This year’s Girls Nation program will be held from July 18-25 2026.

Jo-Ann DeMaria Morgan is the Unit #59 Chairman of the Girls State Program and has met with the delegate for orientation. Sophia was chosen from a pool of applicants in the Junior Class at Milford High School.