Pratt describes Girls State as, "an amazing experience," where she met lots of new friends and became very involved with the process of setting up a simulated state government. She was elected chairwoman of the Health Committee that wrote two legislative bills. One, proposing state-funded health care clinics for all, was presented for a vote among the representatives. It was rejected based on funding concerns.

   One of the representatives suggested to Pratt that she consider trying for a spot at Girls Nation in Washington, DC. Interested candidates vying for a spot were asked to prepare and deliver a speech to the candidates who then vote on the top two who will represent New York. The national government training program is an extension of Girls State in that the candidates learn the role of the federal government. Further, it prepares young female teens for their future roles as responsible adults. Each state selects two girls to attend Girls Nation. Pratt was among 96 girls from across the country that attended the program.

   Once there, the candidates elected government officials to lead the week’s simulated government. Pratt again made many good friends, including the candidate elected vice-president by her peers. She was appointed Assistant Secretary of Diplomatic Security. The representatives from each state brought forth a bill and a resolution to debate and attempt to pass through the mock Congress. Pratt says it was an intense week but a great experience.

   "I loved the experiences I had there. I would encourage everyone to try it. I gained confidence and responsibility and became a better leader. "I’m grateful to the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary for sending me there," she remarked.

   While in Washington, the girls did some sightseeing as well. They visited Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon, the Holocaust Museum and Capital Hill where they met Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and had their photo taken with the former presidential candidate. Mrs. Clinton commended the young women and called them tomorrow’s leaders.

   Pratt, a senior at Avon Central School, is an extremely busy student participating mock trial, mathletics, I.C.E., band and Bel Canto, peer mentoring, brazebuilders and is co-president of the student council this school year. She competes in cross-country, track and field and swimming. Pratt finds time to hold a part time job, volunteer at the Avon Nursing Home and is currently an intern at Highland Hospital.

   She plans to study medicine in college to become a surgeon but is also interested in politics. She would like to attend the University of Rochester, Columbia or Georgetown Universities after high school. She credits her parents and 18-year old sister Susan, a Freshman this fall at the U of R, as being great role models.

   web note: Many local Matthew Cleary Post members have gotten to know the Pratt family over the last several years at the Livingston County Oratorical Competition held in Caledonia. Both Susan and Diana have participated.