by

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

A celebrity starts school today at Fishers. Ana Gaston begins her senior year as president of Girls Nation, the American Legion Auxiliary annual program for high school students. Gaston was elected last month by delegates from throughout the nation.

Gaston is believed to be the first girl from Hamilton County to be elected president in the 73 year history of Girls Nation. She and delegates from all 50 states enjoyed a week in Washington, D.C., visiting government and historic sites and campaigning for president and vice president in a mock election.

The process, designed to acquaint young Americans with their government, begins with Hoosier Girls State where Gaston was chosen to be one of two representing Indiana at the national conclave.

There is also a Boys State and Boys Nation sponsored by the American Legion. In the mock election in Washington, Gaston (president) and Caroline Couch of Tennessee (vice president) ran successfully on the Federalist Party ticket. The entire delegation was welcomed by Vice President Mike Pence.

Hamilton County also did well at the Girls State gathering earlier when Carolyn Ramsay of Carmel was elected governor.