| Lou Wilkerson Girls State Director |
| 2008 Girls State June 7-13, 2008 The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg For information, contact the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Mississippi 601.353.3681 or e-mail ALAMSHQ@aol.com or MISSGIRLSTATELOU@aol.com |
Girls State
Girls State Meets Lt. Gov. Tuck
Delegates greet Lt. Gov. Amy
Tuck of Mississippi when she
visited Girls State in June 2006.
(Photo by Steve Rouse.
Delegates greet Lt. Gov. Amy
Tuck of Mississippi when she
visited Girls State in June 2006.
(Photo by Steve Rouse.
Lots to Shout About
Getting pumped up for the
Political Rally adds to the
excitement of Girls State! (Photo
by Steve Rouse)
Getting pumped up for the
Political Rally adds to the
excitement of Girls State! (Photo
by Steve Rouse)
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American Legion Auxiliary
| Department of Mississippi |
The American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Program has provided high school juniors all across
the United States the opportunity to participate in a hands-on citizenship training program for
more than 60 years.
These young ladies learn government by actually creating a mythical state through the election
of public officials on local, county, and state levels and then by carrying out the duties of these
respective offices.
A continuation of Girls State is Girls Nation where two Senators from each state are selected
to participate in a simulated National government program in Washington,
D. C. The following are the areas of emphasis this year:
• PATRIOTISM as Girls State citizens gain a better understanding of our American traditions
and a greater appreciation of our country and our flag as well as learn our government
processes through simulated real life involvement in all levels of government.
• in the citizen’s communities when she returns home and begins a Citizens with this
commitment of participation, units must make wise selections of delegates, provide them with
informative orientations before the session begins, and then give them recognition when they
return home.
• PROGRESS into the future by adding new and innovative enhancement to our program.
the United States the opportunity to participate in a hands-on citizenship training program for
more than 60 years.
These young ladies learn government by actually creating a mythical state through the election
of public officials on local, county, and state levels and then by carrying out the duties of these
respective offices.
A continuation of Girls State is Girls Nation where two Senators from each state are selected
to participate in a simulated National government program in Washington,
D. C. The following are the areas of emphasis this year:
• PATRIOTISM as Girls State citizens gain a better understanding of our American traditions
and a greater appreciation of our country and our flag as well as learn our government
processes through simulated real life involvement in all levels of government.
• in the citizen’s communities when she returns home and begins a Citizens with this
commitment of participation, units must make wise selections of delegates, provide them with
informative orientations before the session begins, and then give them recognition when they
return home.
• PROGRESS into the future by adding new and innovative enhancement to our program.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Girls State began as one and two day sessions in the late 1930's and since 1948 has been a regular part of
the Auxiliary's Americanism curriculum. The program has grown from a few hundred participants to nearly
25,000 Girls State delegates annually. The Auxiliary has been recognized many times by Freedoms
Foundation at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania and the National Association of Secondary School Principles
(NASSP) for outstanding Girls State and Girls Nation programs.
How are participants chosen?
American Legion Auxiliary Unit Girls State Chairmen evaluate potential leadership qualities of the delegates
and alternates, assisted by high school principals and guidance counselors. Girls are eligible to attend if they
meet the following criteria:
These criteria may vary slightly from state to state.
The Department of Mississippi typically hosts 450 girls each year.
What are the goals of the program?
What does a typical session include?
The citizens are divided into two mythical political "parties." The parties do not reflect the two major
political parties in today's system, but allow citizens to gain a special knowledge of how the system works.
Elections are held to fill city and state positions. Activities include legislative sessions, campaigning, party
rallies, debating, and voting. The citizens also receive instruction in Parliamentary Procedure.
This "hands on" method is unique and extremely effective. Girls State affords participants an opportunity to
live together as self-governing citizens by informing them about the duties, privileges, rights and
responsibilities of American citizenship and hopefully encourages their participation in the democratic
process as they progress into adulthood. Additional activities include: journalism, singing, talent shows, field
trips, group devotions, and patriotic ceremonies.
How are these programs funded?
The program is funded by each state's American Legion Auxiliary, with some additional support coming from
other civic and non-profit organizations. The Girls Nation program is funded by the national organization of
the Auxiliary, with some support from each participating state. Little or no expense is required of the citizen
or her family.
Are scholarships available?
Girls State citizens have the opportunity to apply for financial assistance through the Samsung - American
Legion Scholarship. Qualified students who are descendants of United States wartime veterans are evaluated
on their academic records, community involvement, school activities and financial need. Various other
scholarships and awards are given through individual Girls State programs. Check with your local American
Legion Auxiliary to see what scholarships are available in your area.
Other Important Information
Delegates are expected to complete the week’s program, unless a family emergency arises. Delegates must
be present at the first session on the first day.
Cell phones may be brought, but can only be used during designated times. Under no circumstance are cell
phones allowed in any of the sessions or meetings.
Three meals are provided daily at the university’s dining facility. Vending machines with snacks and drinks
are located in each dormitory. Additional city shirts and other Girls State items will be available for purchase
at the Girls State Store.
At Girls State, each delegate will share a dorm room with another delegate in one of the residence halls at
Southern Miss. Each floor of the dorm will constitute a “city,” with a population of no more than 30 citizens.
Citizens will not be allowed to leave the campus area assigned to Girls State. No visitors are allowed.
Smoking is strictly prohibited. Citizens driving cars to Southern Miss must turn in their car keys to their Senior
Counselor at check-in.
An information packet will be mailed to the delegate once her application card has been received at the
Department Headquarters. Although time for recreation is planned, Girls State is not a recreational camp.
Only authorized American Legion Auxiliary Units may SPONSOR delegates to Girls State. PATRONS may
be used for financial aid.
Must be in good health, with a required examination by the girl’s physician (M.D.). The physician’s report
must be issued no more than ten days prior to the opening of Girls State and must be presented at check-in.
No one will be accepted without it. A Unit may send a physically challenged delegate. Special
arrangements will be made to accommodate special needs.
Delegates may participate in several other activities of Girls State: the Glee Club, the Talent Show, or the
Alagista (a “yearbook” made of the delegates and events of the week). Each city will work on a city project to
be judged at the end of the week.
Professional pictures are taken early in the week, including a group photo of all delegates and counselors
and another of the city. Also, representatives from state universities and colleges will make up our College
Day to provide higher education information.
the Auxiliary's Americanism curriculum. The program has grown from a few hundred participants to nearly
25,000 Girls State delegates annually. The Auxiliary has been recognized many times by Freedoms
Foundation at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania and the National Association of Secondary School Principles
(NASSP) for outstanding Girls State and Girls Nation programs.
How are participants chosen?
American Legion Auxiliary Unit Girls State Chairmen evaluate potential leadership qualities of the delegates
and alternates, assisted by high school principals and guidance counselors. Girls are eligible to attend if they
meet the following criteria:
- have completed their Junior year in high school government and current events
- have high moral character
- possess strong leadership abilities
- have an above average scholastic standing
- have a desire to learn
These criteria may vary slightly from state to state.
The Department of Mississippi typically hosts 450 girls each year.
What are the goals of the program?
- to develop leadership and pride in American citizens
- to educate delegates about our system of government
- to instill in delegates a greater understanding of American traditions
- to stimulate a desire to maintain our government processes
What does a typical session include?
The citizens are divided into two mythical political "parties." The parties do not reflect the two major
political parties in today's system, but allow citizens to gain a special knowledge of how the system works.
Elections are held to fill city and state positions. Activities include legislative sessions, campaigning, party
rallies, debating, and voting. The citizens also receive instruction in Parliamentary Procedure.
This "hands on" method is unique and extremely effective. Girls State affords participants an opportunity to
live together as self-governing citizens by informing them about the duties, privileges, rights and
responsibilities of American citizenship and hopefully encourages their participation in the democratic
process as they progress into adulthood. Additional activities include: journalism, singing, talent shows, field
trips, group devotions, and patriotic ceremonies.
How are these programs funded?
The program is funded by each state's American Legion Auxiliary, with some additional support coming from
other civic and non-profit organizations. The Girls Nation program is funded by the national organization of
the Auxiliary, with some support from each participating state. Little or no expense is required of the citizen
or her family.
Are scholarships available?
Girls State citizens have the opportunity to apply for financial assistance through the Samsung - American
Legion Scholarship. Qualified students who are descendants of United States wartime veterans are evaluated
on their academic records, community involvement, school activities and financial need. Various other
scholarships and awards are given through individual Girls State programs. Check with your local American
Legion Auxiliary to see what scholarships are available in your area.
Other Important Information
Delegates are expected to complete the week’s program, unless a family emergency arises. Delegates must
be present at the first session on the first day.
Cell phones may be brought, but can only be used during designated times. Under no circumstance are cell
phones allowed in any of the sessions or meetings.
Three meals are provided daily at the university’s dining facility. Vending machines with snacks and drinks
are located in each dormitory. Additional city shirts and other Girls State items will be available for purchase
at the Girls State Store.
At Girls State, each delegate will share a dorm room with another delegate in one of the residence halls at
Southern Miss. Each floor of the dorm will constitute a “city,” with a population of no more than 30 citizens.
Citizens will not be allowed to leave the campus area assigned to Girls State. No visitors are allowed.
Smoking is strictly prohibited. Citizens driving cars to Southern Miss must turn in their car keys to their Senior
Counselor at check-in.
An information packet will be mailed to the delegate once her application card has been received at the
Department Headquarters. Although time for recreation is planned, Girls State is not a recreational camp.
Only authorized American Legion Auxiliary Units may SPONSOR delegates to Girls State. PATRONS may
be used for financial aid.
Must be in good health, with a required examination by the girl’s physician (M.D.). The physician’s report
must be issued no more than ten days prior to the opening of Girls State and must be presented at check-in.
No one will be accepted without it. A Unit may send a physically challenged delegate. Special
arrangements will be made to accommodate special needs.
Delegates may participate in several other activities of Girls State: the Glee Club, the Talent Show, or the
Alagista (a “yearbook” made of the delegates and events of the week). Each city will work on a city project to
be judged at the end of the week.
Professional pictures are taken early in the week, including a group photo of all delegates and counselors
and another of the city. Also, representatives from state universities and colleges will make up our College
Day to provide higher education information.
| 2006 Girls State Elected Officials (USM Public Relations photo by Steve Rouse) |
Speaking to the Delegates
Mississippi Governor Haley
Barbour speak to the delegates
at the 2006 Girls State session
(Photo by Steve Rouse.)
Mississippi Governor Haley
Barbour speak to the delegates
at the 2006 Girls State session
(Photo by Steve Rouse.)
Governor Litten
The 2007 Girls State Governor,
Meghan Litten of Petal.
The 2007 Girls State Governor,
Meghan Litten of Petal.
At left, aerial view of stage and audience when Gov. Barbour addressed the delegates in 2006.
At right, he poses with Senior Counselor Nancy Sanders.
At right, he poses with Senior Counselor Nancy Sanders.
| Two citizens from Mississippi’s Girls State program will be selected to represent their state as Senators at Girls Nation, a gathering of delegates from all 50 states in the country. The session is held in Washington, D.C.. With the focus of the week being on the federal government process, |
