Cece was selected from 300 girls who attended the American Legion Auxiliary Empire Girls State to attend the weeklong ALA Girls Nation. There are 57 counties in New York state. Cece is the first ever selected from Chautauqua County (girl or boy) since the program began in 1947. After participating in their respective state programs two outstanding boys and two outstanding girls are selected to attend the privately funded weeklong exercise in hands-on government. Attending with Cece was Riley Meckley from Long Island. Cece represented New York state as a junior senator. The 74th annual program took place from July 24-31.

“I had the opportunity of a lifetime to meet other like-minded young women from all over the United States,” Cece said when asked about her favorite part of the experience. “It was an incredible experience that I will hold dear to me forever. I was inspired by several of the guest speakers. I have made tremendous connections and friendships for a lifetime. I look forward to being more involved than ever in my school and local community.”

Eklum is involved in the Jamestown High School Student Council as class secretary, JHS Key Club, the JHS Mock Trial team and also has founded her own Community Service group called Kids With A Cause, for which she was awarded a Chautauqua Leadership Network Youth Award.

“Girls Nation is an opportunity for our nations future leaders to learn about the workings of the federal government before they are of voting age. When the girls return home they are ready to be engaged citizens at all levels of government,” said Wendy Riggle, ALA Girls Nation committee chair.

Cece Eklum of Jamestown is pictured in front of the U.S. Capitol building.

Riggle and other American Legion Auxiliary members encourage the students to continue their community service at home as well as to become leaders in their local communities. A key component of the ALA Girls Nation program is to provide young women leaders with practical insight into the operations of the federal government, instill a sense of pride in the country and promote youth civic engagement.

While Cece was in Washington, D.C., she was involved in mock Senate sessions complete with writing, caucuses and debating bills that range from personal to political interests. Cece even introduced a bill herself regarding social media and phone privacy. While in Washington the senators visited many of the nations national monuments including the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Mount Vernon and Capitol Hill among many others. Cece also helped to make a poppy wreath and was part of the laying of it at the tomb of the Unknown soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.

“It was an incredible experience that I was humbled by” Eklum said. “I now have a deeper appreciation for everything this country stands for and I am a prouder American.”

Girls and Boys state and nation has been attended by President Bill Clinton, where he shook the hand of then-president John F. Kennedy; Bill Gates, Jane Pauley, Neil Armstrong, Jon Bon Jovi, Cory Booker, Garth Brooks, Tom Brokaw, John Carlin, Chris Christie, Tim Cook, Dick Cheney, Lou Dobbs, Phil Jackson, Leeza Gibbons, Michael Jordon and Bruce Springsteen.

“I was proud to represent Jamestown High School and Chautauqua County” Eklum said.