Eight local students attend Girls State

Each summer, approximately 20,000 young women around the United States participate in a week-long program called Girls State.

Attendees are rising seniors in their schools and chosen by their peers and teachers.

Girls State is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, and American Legion Post 31 in Tuscumbia has recognized the eight local Alabama Girls State participants: Tocarra Bates of Sheffield, Ella Rae Woods and Lillian Garrett of Muscle Shoals, Emily Crocker of Cherokee, Faith South of Covenant Christian, Katherine Grace Michael of Colbert Heights, Maggie Dixon of Deshler and Makayli Davis of Colbert County High.

“These girls must be of high moral character, have strong leadership capabilities, be interested in current events and have above average scholastic achievements,” according to a release from Post 31.

“At Girls State, they were given the opportunity to simulate the administration of a city, conduct elections and campaign for office. Girls live in ‘cities’ within the residence halls, with several cities together making a county, and the entire program comprising a state.

“They also met with government officials during their week at Girls State.  Each year, the experiences of Girls State make a lasting impact in the awareness and development of citizenship responsibilities.”

The 2025 session of Alabama Girls State was held from June 1-6 at the University of Alabama.

The first Girls State was conducted in 1937, and since 1948, has been a regular part of the Auxiliary’s activities nationwide.

“Girls State is one of the most respected and coveted experiential learning programs in the United States, teaching delegates about how government works at the city, county and state levels,” said Post 31 in the release.

“The Girls State program epitomizes the ALA’s mission to honor those who have brought us our freedom through an enduring commitment to develop young women as future leaders grounded in patriotism and knowledge of the responsibilities of citizenship,” according to the program’s website.