Roxanne Hiatt has been the Girls’ State secretary for five years but she is so much more  than just that. I recently got the opportunity to interview this driven woman and learned how  long she has really been in the American Legion Auxiliary. The ALA has been her “home away-from-home” for sixty years now! The auxiliary that she belongs to is in Venango,  Nebraska where she grew up and raised her family. She now lives in Lincoln to be close to  her sons and grandchildren. 

When she was talking about Girls’ State she mentioned that she has never experienced it  as a citizen. You would have never guessed this as she has been a crucial member of this  team for twenty-four years. Which sadly this year will be her last year with us as she is  resigning after the 2024 Girls’ State year to join the ALA department as their secretary. On Saturday it will be a sad day for our loved secretary as she attends her last graduation, so let’s look back on the years she has spent empowering young women and what it means to her. 

As Roxanne talked you could hear the passion she had for the ALA saying that it is not just  Girls State but truly something bigger. She mentioned how due to the amount of years in  the program she would not be who she is today without it. When she was reminiscing about her time with the Legion Auxiliary she focused on the veterans. She said how the veteran that inspires her most is her father. Roxanne’s dad was a part of the Merchant Marines which was a  division of the Coast Guard. 

When she talked about Girls State in general she said how it is incredibly unique that each  citizen comes here for just one week once in their life. She made clear how Girls’ State is an  eye opening experience and it would not be as influential of a program if all citizens returned  annually. While some women get the opportunity to return as staff most will not. You make  life long connections here even with attending for one week, but Roxanne mentioned one  person specifically that has been by her side. Vivian is a close friend of Roxannes and  resigned two years ago from the staff. The last piece of advice that Roxanne gives all Girls  State citizens is know you are qualified enough to be here. 

All in all, Roxanne will be truly missed and filling this position next year will be an important  task. Thank you for your last twenty-four years of making Girls State unforgettable; it could  not have run without you. To conclude, as Roxanne’s father said, “see you in the funny  pages”!