June 5, 2003

Girls State signs three-year agreement to return to TSU

Troy State University will be the home of Alabama Girls State for at least three more years, as the American Legion Auxiliary Board of Directors has accepted a bid to keep the annual event in Troy.

Lee Sellers of Montgomery, Director of Girls State 2003, said the board voted this week to approve the three-year contract, which will be reviewed in 2006.

“We considered several options, and we decided that returning to Troy State University was the best one,” Ms. Sellers said. “We have received excellent service for four years and are pleased we can continue this mutually beneficial relationship.”

Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, said Girls State has become “one of the highlights of the year” at TSU, as more than 325 high school juniors from across Alabama visit the campus.

“We believe in the goals of the American Legion Auxiliary and share a desire to create the next generation of leaders for Alabama, our nation and the world,” Dr. Hawkins said. “It has also been gratifying to see several students who were introduced to our campus through Girls State return to Troy for college. Several of our student leaders attended Girls State.”

In 2000, Troy State University became only the second college or university to host Girls State in its more than 50-year history. Sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, Girls State teaches young women about civics and leadership. Participants are divided into cities and counties and elect local officials. The students also serve as senators and representatives, debating bills and proposing solutions to current problems facing elected officials. The highlight of the week is the election of the governor of Girls State and other constitutional officers.