| Magnolia Girls State Rocks! |
Girls State Convenes – Laquana
Burks of Indianola, Miss., celebrates at
the opening session of the 60th annual
Mississippi Girls State. (Southern
Miss Photo by Jana Bryant)
Burks of Indianola, Miss., celebrates at
the opening session of the 60th annual
Mississippi Girls State. (Southern
Miss Photo by Jana Bryant)
American Legion Auxiliary
| Department of Mississippi |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
The 60th session of Magnolia Girls State was held June 2-8 on the campus of the University
of Southern Mississippi.
Meghan Litten, a 17-year-old student from Petal High School, was elected governor and
joined other Girls State elected officials Thursday, June 7, to interact with their real-life
counterparts in Jackson.
Approximately 250 delegates participated in this year’s program. The 60th Annual Girls State
elected officials are:
Govenor: Meghan Litten of Petal – “Gorden City”
Lieutenant Governor: Ashley Davis of Brandon – “Worrell City”
Secretary of State: Brittnay Latham of Mound Bayou – “Charping City”
State Treasurer: Le'Quala Jackson of Yazoo City – “Worrell City”
State Auditor: Emily Eads of Brandon – “Carver City”
Attorney General: Cade Holder of Cleveland – “Gorden City”
Commissioner of Insurance: Caroline Williams of Pass Christian- “Ladner”
Commissioner of Agriculture: Haven Roach of Cleveland – “Wilkerson City”
The runner-up for governor is Jessica Hill of Hattiesburg, assigned to “Hamilton City.” She is
appointed to the position of administrative assistant and will join the top eight officials in
Jackson.
From Southern Miss News Release, by David Tisdale: Speakers
Delegates to this week’s 60th annual Girls State at The University of Southern Mississippi
heard from two leaders in both military and government, who urged them to consider using
their talents and skills for service to their communities.
Mississippi Court of Appeals Judge Virginia Carlton of Columbia and Sgt. Maj. Gary Iverson
of Hattiesburg were among guest speakers at the university’s Thad Cochran Center, where
they shared their career experiences and their thoughts on the importance of public service.
Carlton, who also serves in the military reserves as a lieutenant colonel, told delegates that
to be successful in either the public or private sector required preparation, including
education and training. “No matter what you do in life, the first step you take should be to
equip yourself with the knowledge needed to be competent to serve.”
She told delegates to dismiss those who would discourage them from pursuing careers
traditionally held by men and instead use their God-given talents to reach their goals. “Don’t
listen to people who tell you what you can’t do,” she said, adding that success is “all in how
you prepare yourself.”
It’s not necessary to be an elected official or in the military to make a difference, Carlton said.
“Just ask yourself, ‘How I can I make the biggest contribution and do the most good with the
skills that the Lord has given me?’”
Her sister-in-law, Gov. Haley Barbour’s assistant Neely Carlton, also spoke to the delegates
earlier in the day.
Iverson discussed his service with the 890th Combat Heavy Engineers in Iraq and answered
questions about the U.S. Military’s role there, including securing the right for its citizens to
elect its own leaders. “Our mission is to allow the Iraqi people to choose their own
government, not impose our will,” he said. “That’s our purpose.”
Women are making a significant contribution in today’s U.S. Military, he said, encouraging
the delegates to consider it as a career option. “It’s a great opportunity for young women,
with good benefits and the chance to serve their country,” he said.
Holly St. Denis of Crystal Springs said Iverson’s presentation was informative, giving her
greater insight into the U.S. mission in Iraq and the inner workings of the military. “I learned a
lot from him about what we’re doing to help rebuild their country,” she said.
Approximately 250 rising high school seniors are participating in this year’s Girls State,
which gives young women the opportunity to learn about the political process and the
functions of government at the local and state levels by participating in mock political
conventions, elections, trials and city projects in the fictitious state of "Magnolia."
Want More Photos?
A CD is available for $7 with photos from the week's session. Copies will be available for
purchase at State Convention in July or contact Girls State Director Lou Wilkerson or
photographer Madeline Vuncannon.
of Southern Mississippi.
Meghan Litten, a 17-year-old student from Petal High School, was elected governor and
joined other Girls State elected officials Thursday, June 7, to interact with their real-life
counterparts in Jackson.
Approximately 250 delegates participated in this year’s program. The 60th Annual Girls State
elected officials are:
Govenor: Meghan Litten of Petal – “Gorden City”
Lieutenant Governor: Ashley Davis of Brandon – “Worrell City”
Secretary of State: Brittnay Latham of Mound Bayou – “Charping City”
State Treasurer: Le'Quala Jackson of Yazoo City – “Worrell City”
State Auditor: Emily Eads of Brandon – “Carver City”
Attorney General: Cade Holder of Cleveland – “Gorden City”
Commissioner of Insurance: Caroline Williams of Pass Christian- “Ladner”
Commissioner of Agriculture: Haven Roach of Cleveland – “Wilkerson City”
The runner-up for governor is Jessica Hill of Hattiesburg, assigned to “Hamilton City.” She is
appointed to the position of administrative assistant and will join the top eight officials in
Jackson.
From Southern Miss News Release, by David Tisdale: Speakers
Delegates to this week’s 60th annual Girls State at The University of Southern Mississippi
heard from two leaders in both military and government, who urged them to consider using
their talents and skills for service to their communities.
Mississippi Court of Appeals Judge Virginia Carlton of Columbia and Sgt. Maj. Gary Iverson
of Hattiesburg were among guest speakers at the university’s Thad Cochran Center, where
they shared their career experiences and their thoughts on the importance of public service.
Carlton, who also serves in the military reserves as a lieutenant colonel, told delegates that
to be successful in either the public or private sector required preparation, including
education and training. “No matter what you do in life, the first step you take should be to
equip yourself with the knowledge needed to be competent to serve.”
She told delegates to dismiss those who would discourage them from pursuing careers
traditionally held by men and instead use their God-given talents to reach their goals. “Don’t
listen to people who tell you what you can’t do,” she said, adding that success is “all in how
you prepare yourself.”
It’s not necessary to be an elected official or in the military to make a difference, Carlton said.
“Just ask yourself, ‘How I can I make the biggest contribution and do the most good with the
skills that the Lord has given me?’”
Her sister-in-law, Gov. Haley Barbour’s assistant Neely Carlton, also spoke to the delegates
earlier in the day.
Iverson discussed his service with the 890th Combat Heavy Engineers in Iraq and answered
questions about the U.S. Military’s role there, including securing the right for its citizens to
elect its own leaders. “Our mission is to allow the Iraqi people to choose their own
government, not impose our will,” he said. “That’s our purpose.”
Women are making a significant contribution in today’s U.S. Military, he said, encouraging
the delegates to consider it as a career option. “It’s a great opportunity for young women,
with good benefits and the chance to serve their country,” he said.
Holly St. Denis of Crystal Springs said Iverson’s presentation was informative, giving her
greater insight into the U.S. mission in Iraq and the inner workings of the military. “I learned a
lot from him about what we’re doing to help rebuild their country,” she said.
Approximately 250 rising high school seniors are participating in this year’s Girls State,
which gives young women the opportunity to learn about the political process and the
functions of government at the local and state levels by participating in mock political
conventions, elections, trials and city projects in the fictitious state of "Magnolia."
Want More Photos?
A CD is available for $7 with photos from the week's session. Copies will be available for
purchase at State Convention in July or contact Girls State Director Lou Wilkerson or
photographer Madeline Vuncannon.
Above, Mississippi Court of Appeals
Judge Virginia Carlton of Columbia and
Sgt. Maj. Gary Iverson of Hattiesburg,
below, spoke at the 60th Annual Girls
State. (Southern Miss Public Relations
Photo by David Tisdale)
Judge Virginia Carlton of Columbia and
Sgt. Maj. Gary Iverson of Hattiesburg,
below, spoke at the 60th Annual Girls
State. (Southern Miss Public Relations
Photo by David Tisdale)
Girls State Ballots – Mississippi Girls
State staffer Brooke Cullen of Picayune,
Miss., counts ballots Tuesday. (Southern
Miss Public Relations photo by Steve
Rouse)
State staffer Brooke Cullen of Picayune,
Miss., counts ballots Tuesday. (Southern
Miss Public Relations photo by Steve
Rouse)
60th Annual American Legion Auxiliary Girls State officers (left to right) – Ashley Davis of Brandon,
Lt. Governor; Cade Holder of Cleveland, Attorney General; Caroline Williams of Pass Christian,
Insurance Commissioner; Emily Eads of Brandon, State Auditor; Meghan Litten of Petal, Governor;
Brittany Latham of Mound Bayou, Secretary of State; Haven Roach of Cleveland, Commissioner of
Agriculture and Le’Quala Jackson of Yazoo City, State Treasurer
Lt. Governor; Cade Holder of Cleveland, Attorney General; Caroline Williams of Pass Christian,
Insurance Commissioner; Emily Eads of Brandon, State Auditor; Meghan Litten of Petal, Governor;
Brittany Latham of Mound Bayou, Secretary of State; Haven Roach of Cleveland, Commissioner of
Agriculture and Le’Quala Jackson of Yazoo City, State Treasurer
Hannah Petty of Amory was elected as
her city’s fire chief. Lt. Mark Aultman
of the Hattiesburg Fire Department
helps her try on a uniform.
her city’s fire chief. Lt. Mark Aultman
of the Hattiesburg Fire Department
helps her try on a uniform.
Amber Husband of Laurel gets some rest in her dorm as her friends Danielle Boyce of Madison,
Brittany Dent of Quitman, Alex Brunt of Crystal Springs and Kaylin Barnes of Columbia take a
break between activities to visit one another. (Southern Miss Photo by Jeannie Peng)
Brittany Dent of Quitman, Alex Brunt of Crystal Springs and Kaylin Barnes of Columbia take a
break between activities to visit one another. (Southern Miss Photo by Jeannie Peng)
Nikki Banks of Amory, Katie Berch of Crystal Springs and Courtney Oswalt of Greenville practice
sign language in their dorm for an upcoming Girls State activity. (Southern Miss Photo by
Jeannie Peng)
sign language in their dorm for an upcoming Girls State activity. (Southern Miss Photo by
Jeannie Peng)
Girls State counselor Jaqueline Lassiter of Layfayette, La. helps Chelsea Sanderson of Amory
and Maci Faulkner of Amory practice their sign language in their dorm for an upcoming event.
(Southern Miss Photo by Jeannie Peng)
and Maci Faulkner of Amory practice their sign language in their dorm for an upcoming event.
(Southern Miss Photo by Jeannie Peng)
Claire Carroll of Pascagoula finds a friend while performing community service, at the Love at
First Sight Adoption Center in Hattiesburg. (Southern Miss Photo by Jeannie Peng)
First Sight Adoption Center in Hattiesburg. (Southern Miss Photo by Jeannie Peng)
Mary Ann Palmer visited Girls State to
talk to the delegates about her job as the
Forrest County Tax Assessor. (Southern
Miss Photo by Jeannie Peng)
talk to the delegates about her job as the
Forrest County Tax Assessor. (Southern
Miss Photo by Jeannie Peng)
GIRLS NATION SENATORS
Maxie Wilson of Hamilton
Meghan Litten of Petal
Alternates
Jessica Hill of Hattiesburg
Ellana Thompson of Richton
Maxie Wilson of Hamilton
Meghan Litten of Petal
Alternates
Jessica Hill of Hattiesburg
Ellana Thompson of Richton
| OUTSTANDING CITIZEN AWARDS 2007 Moran City Rebecca Fuller Hamilton City Hannah Petty McCain City Brittany Dent Hale-Bond City Robin Ladner Shinault City Emily Seals Charping City Shonnita Nix Burke City Brittney Jackson Aime City Chelsea Lewis Worrell City Jasmine Claybon Wheelis City Anna Berry Rodgers City Angel Wells Wilkerson City Meleah Aldridge Carver City Jessica Gilliland Gorden City Cyndal Cleveland Ladner City Kayci M. Reyer |