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For Immediate Release Contact: Hon. Alden H. Wolfe Betsy Saetre, Media Contact
Release
(845) 638-5752 (845) 638-5184
11 New Hempstead Road, New City, NY (845) 638-5100 Fax: (845) 638-5675 e-mail legclerk@co.rockland.ny.us.
Legislator Wolfe Honors Suffern High Senior for Important Role in National Leadership Conference
New City, NY (September 8, 2009) – Legislator Alden H. Wolfe presented a Distinguished Service
Award to Suffern High School Senior Rachel Lipstein in recognition of her participation in the 2009 American Legion Auxiliary Girl's Nation, held last month in Washington D.C. The Girl's Nation program was established in 1947 with the goal to educate young women about the American system of government, to stimulate interest in government process and develop leadership skills. Two Girl's Nation “senators” are chosen from each state and then divided into two simulated political parties for participation in mock Senate sessions. Through a rigorous selection process, Ms. Lipstein was one of the two “senators” chosen from New York State. Ms. Lipstein's grasp of the issues resulted in her election as President of the 63rd American Legion Auxiliary Girl's Nation Conference. She and her colleagues debated issues of national import, such as health care, the environment and social issues. Ms. Lipstein said, “I have been extremely graced by these past series of opportunities and Girls Nation, and it was an honor to be recognized with this award. It feels so validating to have such strong locally-based support as we do in Rockland; as I met girls from around the country, I learned one does not often encounter that. I deeply thank Legislator Alden Wolfe for this recognition and for the pleasure of speaking before the Legislature. The Rockland County American Legion Auxiliary, additionally, sent me to Girls State and introduced me to the exciting path I have followed this summer, and for this I cannot thank them enough." Legislator Wolfe said, “It is so impressive to see a high school student engaged in our national dialogue on such a high level. Rachel is the model of good citizenship, and we're very proud of her well-earned accomplishments.”
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