Harding University will host the 67th session of
Arkansas Girls State May 30-June 4. This will be the University’s 20th
year to host the event, and nearly 900 girls from across the state are
expected to attend.
Girls State is a program orchestrated by the American Legion Auxiliary
Department of Arkansas to provide opportunities for outstanding high
school juniors to participate in hands-on citizenship training.
Juniors will arrive on the Harding campus May 30 for an opening
session at 3 p.m. in Benson Auditorium. Harding University President
Dr. David Burks, Searcy Mayor Belinda LaForce, and American Legion
Auxiliary Department of Arkansas President Nancy Followell will join
several others in welcoming the girls.
Participants will spend the week creating a fictitious state through
the election of public officials on local, county and state levels.
They will then carry out the duties of each respective public office.
Members of the Arkansas General Assembly will arrive Wednesday June 2
to assist students in forming a mock General Session.
Students will have the opportunity to perform in Girls State Choir and
Girls State Band as well as attend a career panel session with
representatives from numerous vocations. They will also visit the
Senate and House Chambers of the Arkansas State Capitol.
For more information about Girls State, contact the American Legion
Auxiliary Department of Arkansas office at 501-374-5836.
Harding had a record enrollment this year of more than 6,600 students
from all 50 states and 49 foreign countries. It is the largest private
university in Arkansas and attracts more National Merit Scholars than
any other private university in the state. Harding also maintains
campuses in Australia, Chilé, England, France, Greece, Italy and
Zambia.
