SEARCY, Ark. ⎯ Harding University will host the 68th session of Arkansas Girls State May 29-June 3. This will be the University’s 21st year to host the event — last year nearly 900 girls from across the state attended.
Girls State is a program orchestrated by the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Arkansas to provide opportunities for outstanding high school juniors to participate in hands-on citizenship training.
Juniors will arrive on the Harding campus May 29 for an opening session at 3 p.m. in Benson Auditorium. Harding University Executive Vice President Dr. James Carr, Searcy Mayor David Morris, and American Legion Auxiliary Department of Arkansas President Dale Lester will join several others in welcoming the girls.
Participants will spend the week creating a fictitious state through the election of public officials on local, county and state levels. They will then carry out the duties of each respective public office. Members of the Arkansas General Assembly will arrive Tuesday, May 31, to assist students in forming a mock General Session.
Students will have the opportunity to perform in Girls State Choir and Girls State Band as well as attend a career panel session with representatives from numerous vocations. They will also visit the Senate and House Chambers of the Arkansas State Capitol.
For more information about Girls State, contact the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Arkansas office at 501-374-5836.