During the last week of May the American Legion Arkansas Girls State was hosted at Harding University in Searcy. Our youngest daughter is an incoming senior at Elkins High School. She was one of four students who represented her high school at Arkansas Girls State.
Arkansas Girls State is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. This is a vigorous program attended by elite students from high schools representing all counties in the state of Arkansas. The mission of the program is championing patriotism, responsible citizenship, community involvement, leadership, and a balance of faith and moral conduct. She counted it as a huge blessing to attend.
Our daughter was assigned to the Federalist party. During this week, she enjoyed civics in action. She was elected as a city alderman in her fictional city. She ran for several other state offices along with members of other fictional cities and members of the Nationalist party. During this experience she was able to hone her networking and public speaking skills. She cheered on other members of her party and served as a delegate throughout the week.
The girls had an opportunity to room together in the Harding University campus dorms. She told us one of her favorite parts of the experience was meeting new friends and having roommates from across our beautiful state. An experience that will leave a lifelong impression on her, I am sure.
On the final full day, the delegates headed to Little Rock. At the state capitol building, girls played the role of governor and other state officers. The delegates networked with legislators and played the role of members of the state senate and house of representatives.
They were able to meet with Arkansas Supreme Court justices and members of the legislature. They learned about writing bills and upholding laws. Throughout the week, the girls were exposed to inspiring guest speakers including county judges and election commissioners. They had a robust learning experience and were able to attend a college fair in the Capitol’s rotunda.
Over 600 girls attended this unique event. It was held at the same time as Arkansas Boys State was being hosted on the University of Central Arkansas campus in Conway. We enjoyed seeing pictures of the rallies and programs throughout the week. It was so much fun to watch city, county and state government come alive for our daughter. She has asked us so many questions and I think she will continue into adulthood as an engaged citizen in her community.
We are embarking on our “last summer” with our youngest daughter and it has kicked off to great start. She has been a natural leader in her high school, and we are anxious to see how these experiences will shape her next steps. I am so thankful the American Legion Auxiliary invests time and finances in this great program. I am happy I get to share these experiences of this next generation with you too, neighbor.
Jody Harris is a freelance communications specialist, gardener, ranch wife and mother of four. She and her family raise Angus beef cattle and other critters on their northwest Arkansas ranch. She is a graduate of Missouri State University. To contact Jody, go to ozarksfn.com and click on ‘Contact Us.’
