Fifty years ago, the United States celebrated its bicentennial, marking 200 years of independence. To honor the milestone, the 1976 ALA Girls Nation and American Legion Boys Nation held a special 18-day joint session. Tara Bassett was one of the ALA Girls Nation senators that year, representing the ALA Girls State program in Oregon.
 
“It was phenomenal — the experience of a lifetime for us all,” said Bassett. 
 
To mark the bicentennial, each program chose three delegates from each state instead of the usual two. Another change to the program that year was a trip to Philadelphia, but it was canceled due to a Legionnaire’s Disease outbreak at The American Legion Department of Pennsylvania Convention held there. Instead, the senators remained in Washington, D.C., which allowed them more time to sightsee and experience the nation’s capital.
 
One of Bassett’s favorite memories occurred near the Lincoln Memorial. As 300 senators began singing Let There be Peace on Earth, they were stopped by the National Park Service and informed demonstrations weren’t allowed. While they couldn’t sing that particular song, they were permitted to sing America the Beautiful and the National Anthem.
 

ALA Girls Nation was not Bassett’s first encounter with politics.
 
“I’ve always been involved in politics,” she said. “My pioneer family from the Oregon Trail journey descended through 17 lines from the Mayflower, and taught me that participation in government was expected, not just encouraged.”
 
Following ALA Girls Nation, Bassett earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and briefly attended Georgetown Law School. However, she decided to change course and embark on a 40-year career as a news anchor, meteorologist, and talk show host. Today, Bassett continues this work as a “502LIVEStreamer,” covering local events and politics.
 
“I’m heavily involved in legislative efforts to improve animal welfare laws on the local and state level and speak to our elected officials on matters pertaining to all my areas of interest in serving vulnerable populations. So, the careers have merged beautifully,” said Bassett.
 
She credits the 1976 ALA Girls Nation session with launching her career.
 
“It was the prominent listing on my resume as I entered the job market,” she said. “It was a primary reason why I was able to start my meteorology career in the 50th market instead of the 150th.”
Bassett noted that the experience frequently sparked interest from hiring managers and helped her develop essential skills in organizing, public speaking, and negotiating.
 
“I never applied for a job I didn’t get,” she added.
 
Bassett shares her passion with others.
 
“I’ve encouraged thousands of young folks over the years to take advantage of this amazing opportunity,” she said. 
 
When she isn’t reporting or advocating for policy changes, Bassett serves as a volunteer organizer for Dogs On The Run 502, helping rescue and return lost dogs to their families in Louisville, Ky.