San Marino High School rising senior Alejandra Larriva-Latt attended California Girls State last week at Claremont McKenna College and the result – like most of her pursuits – was sensational.
“My favorite part of Girls State was making friends with girls from across California,” Alejandra said. “It was so enriching meeting girls from different life experiences, places, and cultures.”
Sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, Girls State is a leadership program designed to increase awareness and knowledge of governmental processes while learning about the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of citizenship using a mock state government format. Approximately 500 girls participate each year.
“I was amazed by how quickly I became friends with my city of 28 girls,” Alejandra said, referring to the dormitory section that becomes each attendee’s “city” unit for the week.
Alejandra ran for Assemblywoman and won the seat.
“The Assembly ended up passing approximately ten bills,” she said. “I also served on the jury of our county mock trial. I received hands-on experience in every aspect of California government, from the city and county levels to the legislature and the judiciary. As a person passionate about international affairs, I came away with a greater understanding of and respect for state government.”
A highlight of the experience was interacting with girls who share her zeal for politics and government.
“As a person passionate about international affairs, I came away with a greater understanding of and respect for state government,” she said. “As a Girls State delegate, I joined a professional network of women that I will belong to for the rest of my life.”
Alejandra is considering colleges on the East Coast and would like to major in Political Science and minor in Middle East studies.
But the daughter of Cesar Larriva and Jenna Latt has much more to accomplish in her final year at SMHS. The first three have been quite impressive. Alejandra is co-captain of the Extemporaneous Speaking and cross country teams. Last fall, she was a finalist in the International Extemporaneous Speaking, California High School Speech Association state tournament and was named Speaker of the Year for the Titan speech and debate team.
Alejandra was the frosh-soph Rio Hondo League champion in the 1,600-meter run in 2015 and was the team’s top scorer.
Alejandra’s sister, Jade, graduated from San Marino High School in 2015 and will be a sophomore this fall at Wellesley.
