May 23, 2006

Girls State returning to TROY in June

TROY – Nearly 350 Alabama high school junior girls will call Troy University home June 4-9, as Girls State convenes for its seventh 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. “Troy University believes in the ideals that Girls State represents, and we look forward to hosting the program again this year.”

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.

Speakers during the week-long event include:

• State Treasurer Kay Ivey
• TROY Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr.
• Megan Butler, Alabama’s Junior Miss
• Bob Ingam, a political analyst and syndicated columnist with The Montgomery Independent
• Carol Jenkins, Emmy-award winner and author
• Philip Sellers, investment banker, philanthropist
• Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford
• Dr. Cathy Randall, chairman of Tuscaloosa-based Randall Publishing Company
• Susan Fillippeli, political consultant
• Attorney General Troy King
• Judge Kelli Wise, Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals
• 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
• Lt. Gov. Lucy Baxley
• Judge Sue Bell Cobb, Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals

On June 9, the delegates will travel to the State Capitol, meeting with Gov. Bob Riley and conducting the assembly’s fifth legislative session in the House and Senate chambers.

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