Feb 21, 2008

The American Legion Auxiliary is again seeking candidates for Missouri Girls State to be held in Warrensburg June 23-28. Entries must be turned in to your high school principal or counselor by March 10. If you are a junior girl in Ava High School or Ava Victory Academy and would like to be considered please contact your counselor or principal for information, or call 683-5295. What is Girls State and what can you expect? Missouri Girls State is an intensive week of government study and Americanism training sponsored by the ALA. It is the study of proper flag etiquette, the respect the flag is due and a greater awareness of its importance and significance in American history. Upon arrival you will be assigned a party, mythical Nationalist or Federalist. Party spirit and cheering provides support to those who choose to run for political office. All delegates are assigned to a city and all city delegates are housed together; each city forms a city government with elected officials who carry out responsibilities and duties assigned. Those cities form a county, again with duties and responsibilities performed by its elected officials. Finally, a state government is formed. Each party holds a convention complete with a platform, resolutions, credentials, candidates, speeches and party spirit. Primary ballots narrow the candidates to the final general election ballot which elects the governor, Lt. governor, secretary of state, attorney general, treasurer, auditor and seven Supreme Court justices. Elected officials may be invited back next year to perform their duties. The Highway Patrol is formed to provide law enforcement and education to the delegates. They assist as required, serve as honor guards for the governor, write tickets, help with court trials and any duties assigned. The General Assembly is the legislative branch of state government and will travel to Jefferson City for its first session in the chambers of the Capitol. During the week it meets several sessions to write, debate and vote on several proposed bills. Each delegate will select one of five classes to attend daily. Classes include legislative procedure, law, law enforcement, communication/ media, and executive/leadership school. An exam will be given on Friday. A passing grade on this exam, active participation in the week's activities, and compliance of rules and regulations and attendance for the entire session (Sunday through Saturday) will enable a delegate to apply for two hours of college credit issued by the University of Central Missouri. There will be assemblies with guest speakers. Delegates may participate in Girls State band or chorus which perform at assemblies and at Friday night's inauguration of the state officials. Girls State provides an opportunity to experience college living, meet new friends and expand awareness of other types of Missouri living. A canteen store has souvenirs, clothing, and snacks. During free time you can share ideas and activities with other delegates. This intensive learning situation also involves a great deal of walking. If this sounds like something you would like to experience for a week in the summer, get more information from your counselor or principal.