Clare Duffy ‘22 Heads to Washington, DC to Represent Minnesota at Girls Nation

Senior Clare Duffy is a Girls nation

Senator for Minnesota

Saint John’s Preparatory School is proud to announce that Senior Clare Duffy is one of just two students selected to represent Minnesota at American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation in Washington, D.C. Clare ‘22 is the daughter of Megan and Brendon Duffy of Cold Spring and sister of Patrick ’24 and Margaret ’27.

In June, Clare took part in the Minnesota Girls State Program. Clare and the other 134 participants had the opportunity to set up a mock state government. Together they discussed issues and passed legislation. Typically, the event is held in-person on a college campus, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was held virtually this year.

Clare was selected as one of two Minnesota “senators” to represent Minnesota in Washington D.C. July 24-31, 2021. As a Girls Nation Senator, Clare will gain insight into how the federal government and lawmaking process works. Clare will be a part of a mock legislature and be responsible for submitting bills and resolutions, participating in senate sessions, and electing officials. As a Girls Nation attendee, Clare will tour the Capitol and national monuments and meet with some of Minnesota’s elected leaders.

“I’m grateful to the American Legion Auxiliary for providing this opportunity for young women, and I’m honored to be representing Minnesota,” Clare says. “I’m looking forward to meeting some of our elected representatives and learning firsthand how the federal government works.”

At Saint John’s Prep, Clare is the vice president of student council as well as the captain of the tennis and Nordic ski teams. She’s also a member of the mock trial team and National Honor Society. Within the community, Clare is a member of the Stearns County Youth Services Task Force and a member of St. Boniface Church in Cold Spring.

The Minnesota and National American Legion Auxiliary hope participants like Clare leave Girls Nation with an understanding of the fundamentals of government. Peggy Tesdahl, Director of the Minnesota Girls State Program says, “We are very proud to have Clare Duffy representing us! While in Washington, Clare will work on passing the bills that she and the other participants write. They will do a lot of touring around Washington DC and will develop lasting friendships with the other participants. There will also be a variety of speakers they will hear from.”

The American Legion Auxiliary Girls State and Girls Nation programs are staffed by volunteers and are funded through donations.