TROY, Ala. –More than 300 Alabama high school junior girls will have the opportunity to receive some hands-on training in citizenship June 3-8 as Girls State convenes at Troy University.

The program, a mission of  the American Legion Auxiliary that spans more than 50 years in Alabama and 60 years nationally, will return to the Troy Campus for the eighth time.

“Troy University and Girls State share the mission of developing tomorrow’s leaders today,” 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 elected officials.

Speakers during the week-long event include:

• State Treasurer Kay Ivey
• TROY Chancellor Jack Hawkins, Jr.
• Bill Canary, president and chief executive officer of the Business Council of Alabama
• Dr. Cathy Randall, chairman of Tuscaloosa-based Randall Publishing Co.
• State Auditor Samantha Shaw
• Alabama Secretary of State Beth Chapman
• State Attorney General Troy King
• Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom, Jr.
• Michael Bridell, assistant to Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright
• Tim Lennox of Alabama Public Television
• Carrie Kurlander, director of corporate communications, Alabama Power Co.
• State Rep. Dick Brewbaker
• Tommie Miller, former member of the Montgomery County Board of Education
• Sue Bell Cobb, chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, and
• Star Parker, syndicated columnist and founder and president of the Coalition on Urban Renewal and Education.

On June 8, 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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