TROY – Nearly 350 Alabama high school junior girls will call Troy University home June 5-10, as Girls State convenes for its sixth year on the campus.

A mission of the American Legion Auxiliary, the program provides the opportunity for students to participate in a hands-on citizenship training program that spans more than 50 years in Alabama and 60 years nationally.

“Troy University and Girls state share the goal of developing the next generation of leaders for our state, nation and world,” Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., chancellor, said. “We look forward to the return of this outstanding program to our campus.”

This year’s program will emphasize patriotism, participation and progress, according to American Legion Auxiliary.

During their week in Troy, the delegates will organize cities, vote on officials, develop and pass legislation and hear from the state’s real-life elected officials, said Lee Sellers, Girls State director in Alabama.

“I really see Girls State as the catalyst for positive change in Alabama,” she said. “It’s been my privilege to direct the program for the past five years and am looking forward to the excitement and energy the girls will bring to Troy University.”

Speakers during the week-long event include:

• State Treasurer Kay Ivey
• Elizabeth Kennedy Lawlor, executive director of the Majority Caucus
• Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, chairman of the Alabama Republican Party
• Bob Ingam, a political analyst and syndicated columnist with The Montgomery Independent
• Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford
• Lt. Gov. Lucy Baxley
• Attorney General Troy King
• State Auditor Beth Chapman
• Secretary of State Nancy Worley
• State Rep. Dick Brewbaker
• Tommie Miller, Montgomery County Board of Education
• Michael Bridell, assistant to Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright
• Tim Lennox, Alabama Public Television
• Carrie Kurlander, Corporate Media Relations
• Supreme Court Justice Patti Smith
• Dr. Cathy Randall, chairman of Tuscaloosa-based Randall Publishing Company

On June 10, the delegates will travel to the State Capitol, meeting with Gov. Bob Riley and conducting the assembly’s fourth legislative session in the House and Senate chambers.

Sellers said the delegates represent the most outstanding junior girl in each participating high school. Each local American Legion Auxiliary post develops its own specific selection criteria for its area, she said.

“They use a variety of qualities, but all look for leadership potential, service and scholarship,” Sellers said