Maryland Girls State Takes Over SU - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

SALISBURY, Md. - More than 120 high school Marylanders packed Salisbury University's campus for the 66th session of the Maryland Girls State.

Lois Highsmith, the Director of the Maryland Girls State program says, "We're here where we're putting on a leadership program for young ladies in their junior year of high school . . . Learn about their city government,, their county government, their state government, and they'll be holding a legislative session. So they're learning all different processes of the functioning levels of government in Maryland."

Sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, each young lady will have the chance to meet with local and state legislators, including Jim Ireton, the Mayor of Salisbury, who spoke Sunday informing them on the responsibilities of a Mayor.

Ireton says, "They're able to start beginning to find out what their passion is in life and we're just excited they're here at the University in Salisbury starting that journey . . . They'll be able to leave here and begin to plot out where they're going into their Senior year of high school and then onto college and basically now they're going to change the world.

During this weeklong program they will have mock trials, learn about the judicial process and civic responsibility. In addition to participating in mock elections, debating bills, and even listening to lobbyists.    

"We wanted to sponsor a program that would provide good citizenship skills for our young ladies, so that they can learn to vote and make informed decisions," explains Highsmith.