The New York State American Legion Auxiliary has tapped Huntington High School junior Teddi Carnesi for its weeklong summer program on Americanism and the political process.
President of Huntington’s Class of 2022, Ms. Carnesi is on the high school’s high honor roll and is a three sport varsity athlete along with being a Natural Helper, assisting classmates who are working through personal and family challenges.
![Huntington junior Teddi Carnesi will participate in the American Legion Auxiliary's Girls State program](../../../assets/images/2021/february/cameo-26a.jpg)
Huntington junior Teddi Carnesi will participate in the American Legion Auxiliary's Girls State program
This summer’s Girls State program is slated for June 27 to July 3. “The goal of the program is to help students to better understand democratic ideals and the part we as individuals play in carrying out these ideals,” according to the organization. “Qualified high school juniors are selected to become citizens of and participate in creating a mythical 51st state, from the county to the state level. This mythical 51st state is divided into 11 counties, each named after famous women and the citizens, assigned to one of two parties, experience the two party system, much like our government. Their rigorous schedule includes participating in political campaigns, debates, and crafting bills. As the government begins to take shape, these young women come to understand their roles in a democratic society.”
The American Legion Auxiliary has found one of the best in Ms. Carnesi, say Huntington High School faculty members. The teenager is interested in the US Military Academy at West Point, the US Merchant Marine Academy, Lafayette College, Franklin and Marshall College, Wesleyan University and Fordham University as well as several other schools. She is interested in participating in the ROTC program at all non-academy institutions.
“I feel extremely honored and proud to be selected as a participant,” Ms. Carnesi said. “Girls State has been something that I have wanted to be able to take part in for a long time and I am so excited to be nominated. I am passionate about government and politics. Girls State will be a great experience for me to broaden my knowledge about governing a society.”
Ms. Carnesi is being sponsored by the American Legion’s Greenlawn post. Huntington High School Principal Brenden Cusack nominated the teenager for the program.
“I am very grateful for the efforts of American Legion Post 1244 has put forth, particularly Mr. Charlie Armstrong, to help me in becoming a participant in Girls State. I cannot wait for this summer!”