An Oak Harbor High School student who excels at politics and policymaking might get to meet President Barack Obama, and even shake his hand next week.

Lauren May, who’s entering her senior year, is one of two girls from Washington state who were elected as a “senator” to the American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation, which takes place in Washington, D.C.

It’s quite a feat.

The women of the American Legion Auxiliary in Oak Harbor sponsored her to go to the group’s Evergreen Girls State program earlier this year.

It was an immersive crash course in American-style democratic governance.

“It teaches girls about government and the importance of women of government,” she said, noting the dearth of women in public office.

Her mother, Kimberli May, said it’s a great program that doesn’t always get a lot of attention. She said she and her daughter are thankful to Oak Harbor’s auxiliary for the support.

May explained that the girls, who came from across the state, broke into two political parties and counties and cities.

The girls could run for different offices; May ran for senator.

She gave three speeches, answered questions on two issues and campaigned in the different counties, answering more questions off the cuff. In the end, she and Daniela Suarez were elected as state senators.

At the American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation, May and the other girls will create a mock senate in which they try to get their bills passed.

May’s bill would provide for illegal immigrants to get immunizations at clinics. It’s a matter of public health for everyone in America, she will argue, and not a comment on the status of immigrants.

The 100 girls will get to tour the important sites in the nation’s capitol, including the White House. She said girls from past years got to meet the president, so she’s keeping her fingers crossed.