Alicia Jo Sanford has been chosen to represent McKenzie School at the 2012 session of American Legion Auxiliary Alabama Girls State, held on the campus of Troy University in Troy.

For one week, she will become a citizen in an imaginary state, taking part in the political life of her community, primarily through campaigning for and electing city, county and state offices. She will learn the operation of government by participating in party caucuses and through the election process. Well-known speakers and other state, county and city officials are expected to visit and to enlighten the young women in their civic responsibilities.

Sanford will speak to her sponsoring organization, PTA, and to other organizations upon invitation, about her experiences at the American Legion Auxiliary Alabama Girls State. The daughter of Joe and Gayle Sanford and the granddaughter of Sam Baker and the late Myrtle Baker was selected to attend Alabama Girls State because of her outstanding leadership. Sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary Alabama Girls State is a laboratory of practical government, a personal application of the duties, responsibilities and privileges of American.