NEWS

Girls State offers teens opportunity to learn

Lici Beveridge
Breaking News Reporter

Southern Miss' Thad Cochran Center was transformed into the great state of Magnolia this past week as about 225 teen girls attended the 68th annual American Legion Auxiliary's Magnolia Girls State.

Hannah Mixon of Vancleave takes a moment with Department President Anita McAllister of the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State graduation on Friday in Southern Miss' Bennett Auditorium.

The girls convened at the university for the week in their simulated state of Magnolia to learn how the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government work.

Elections, political caucuses, mock trials and other government functions were held or discussed during the week, and the girls practiced their roles in a makeshift government.

The girls on arrival were split into groups and paired with others who are rising high school seniors. Most of the girls met as total strangers but had the opportunity to develop new relationships throughout the week.

"Actually, I think there are two other people here from my school, and I've seen one of them once," said Claire Coggin, 17, of Tupelo High School.

Making new friends was an exciting prospect for Camry Kilgore, 17 of Calhoun City High. She describes herself as an outgoing people person.

"We met a lot of girls and got a lot of (phone) numbers," Kilgore said. "We had a bunch of good speakers that spoke … to persuade us when we go our separate ways to work for what we want. Some of us have low self-esteem, but we can work hard for what we want and put our minds to accomplishing it."

For Harrison Central's AnnaGrace Meeks, who was invited at the last minute, coming to Girls State offered her an opportunity to meet new people and learn more about the government.

"We have not gotten a lot of sleep," the 17-year-old from Gulfport said. "Besides that, it's a lot of fun."

She said she was impressed with Sumrall Mayor Gerolene Rayborn, who at 79 stays busy making sure the town's needs are met. Rayborn talked about her political experience at one of the Girls State sessions.

Rayborn was among a number of local and state politicians and public figures who spoke during Girls State. Others included U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper, state Rep. Toby Barker, Attorney General Jim Hood and Hattiesburg Fire Chief Paul Presley.

Meeks said she appreciated Highway Patrol Capt. John Poulos' talk because he emphasized a lot of dangers on the road that she had not thought about before.

"He talked about issues we don't see really often," she said.

Kilgore liked Poulos' talk, too.

"A lot of people aren't aware of the safety of seat belts," she said. "We don't take that as seriously as we're supposed to. It really opened my eyes."

Gov. Phil Bryant was among the officials who spoke to the group.

"This is an amazing place we live in," Bryant told the teens.

"Mississippi is a great state of opportunity," he said, especially for young women.

He said he has seen plenty of women in the military deploying to Afghanistan and Kuwait, including women in leadership roles.

"Man, what a great job they are doing," Bryant said.

He also cited his daughter, Katie Bryant Snell, as an example of what a woman can accomplish.

"Katie — Katherine now — is the board attorney for Madison County (supervisors)," he said. "That's usually not a position for a young lady. Most board attorneys tend to be guys because it can be a little challenging at times.

"You ladies are helping to change this world, this nation and this state."

He went on to say Mississippi ranks No. 5 in women-owned businesses.

"Think about that," he said. "We're doing a better job than 45 other states at having women begin their own businesses."

Joanna Sandig, 17, a student at Collins High School,  said she was getting her first political experience at Girls State.

"It's actually cool, getting real offices and giving speeches," she said.

Sandig said she ran for the office of coroner.

Coggin said she ran for coroner, too. She is considering attending Southern Miss' nursing school. She is also interested in forensic science, so figured running for coroner would be a good fit for her.

"I thought it would be a good office for me," she said.

For Kloe Lloyd, 17, of Gulfport, who attends Our Lady Academy in Bay St. Louis, participating in Girls State is exciting because she's already been involved in politics. She sought the office of secretary of state because she had campaigned for Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann.

"This is my cup of tea," Lloyd said. "It was everything I was hoping it would be."

Kilgore and Meeks said they would recommend Girls State to those who might be considering it.

"There's a lot of opportunities to make connections," Meeks said. "And get lots of scholarship money."

"And get away from home," Kilgore added. "It's a great experience. I enjoyed it."

Top Girls State offices

Governor: Katie Beth Simmons, East Rankin Academy

Lieutenant Governor: Rachel Shoemaker, Laurel Christian High

Secretary of State: Tierra Cooper, Laurel High

Treasurer: Tharangi Fernando, North Pike High

State Auditor: Hailey Jamison, Leake Academy

Attorney General: Cailin Sims, Vancleave High

Commissioner of Agriculture: Amber Young, Germantown High

Commissioner of Insurance: Alli Pierce, Corinth High

Speaker of the House: Madison Carr, Meridan High

Girls Nation delegates: Rachel Shoemaker, Laurel Christian; Cailin Sims, Vancleave

Girls Nation alternates: Madison Taylor, Itawamba Agricultural; Kloe Lloyd, Our Lady Academy

Girls State awarded more than $30,000 in scholarships to various Girl State delegates.