Local delegates named for Legion Auxiliary Girls State 2019

Annual delegation selected for leadership program

ralphhardin@gmail.com The American Legion Auxiliary’s marquee Girls State program, first presented in the late 1930s, is one of the most respected and coveted experimental learning programs presented in the United States.

The program epitomizes the American Legion’s mission to honor those who have preserved traditional American freedoms through an enduring commitment to develop young women as future leaders grounded in patriotism and the American spirit. These young women become knowledgeable of the democratic process and how our republic and its government work at the state and national level. As stated in its charter. Girls State seeks to “develop leadership and pride in American citizens, educate citizens about our system of government, instill a greater understanding of American traditions, and stimulate a desire to maintain our democratic government processes within our republic.” Each year, a selection of high school juniors and seniors is chosen to attend Girls State.

Students must be keenly interested in government and current events, have high moral character, show strong leadership abilities and be above average in scholastic achievement.

Each participant of the Arkansas Girls State pro- gram is assigned a place in a mock political party, city, and county. Over the course of the week, delegates will nominate and elect officials to the various levels of their government.

The program offerings are designed to offer practical instruction on the duties and responsibilities both of a citizen and of public officials.

Activities include:

• The “citizens” of each “Girls State” city and county nominate members of their individual parties to be candidates for the various city and county offices.

• Elections are held with the citizens conducting their own balloting.

Daily sessions where citizens hear from elected officials and community leaders from across the state.

• Citizens have the opportunity to take part in the Arkansas Girls State band or choir.

• A visit to the Arkansas State Capital in Little Rock.

Local students chosen for the Girls State 2019 program were: Skyy Bowser, Elise Brazil, Lauren Catt, Madeline Courtney, Anna Foster, Ravon Hall, Ariyah Hazley, Mary Claire Reece, Folaoluwakemi Shofu, Alexandria Speak, Addison Standridge, Andrea Christine Tennison, Kameran Valentine, Amelia Walker and Jane Ellen Whittington.

These young ladies represented American Legion Auxiliary Unit 53 at the 77th annual Girls State from May 26 to June 1, in Searcy.

Girls State is supported by American Legion Post 53 in partnership with Guaranty Loan & Real Estate, Fidelity National Bank, Arkansas Distributing Co., Southland Racing Corporation, Al Thomas Wrecker, Marion High School, and the West Memphis Rotary Club.