Tami Paul attended ALA North Dakota Girls State in 2000. Now, 24 years later, she is serving veterans, military, and their families as ALA Shakopee, Minn., Unit 2 president. When Paul attended ALA Girls State, she wasn’t an ALA member, but she fondly recalls the ALA members who encouraged her to attend ALA Girls State.
 
When Paul moved to the Twin Cities, she wanted to find a way to give back to the community. She thought of the American Legion Auxiliary. Of course she was familiar with ALA Girls State, but she also remembered poppy distributions and seeing ALA members in her community. So, she found a local unit and joined in 2023. Fast forward a few months later: She was elected unit president.
 
Paul is now a preschool teacher. She applies to her teachings what she learned at ALA Girls State about patriotism and serving veterans.
 
“As a preschool teacher, I make sure to get my kids excited about the flag, the Pledge of Allegiance, and what it means to be a good citizen and respect our troops,” said Paul. “They can also tell you what a poppy represents, and what it means to wear red.”

Learn more about ALA Girls State here.