The four representatives from Marion County to Girls State reported a great week of fellowship and learning about government.
Rising seniors Natassiera Price and Nyirah Barnes, both of East Marion High School, Marlena Teston of West Marion and KaitLyn Fitzgerald of Columbia High graduated from the program at the University of Southern Mississippi on June 7.
They each will receive $1,000 scholarships.
American Legion Post 90 Women’s Auxiliary sponsored their attendance at the 71st annual event. Auxiliary members noted this is just their second year of existence and they were able to increase the number of girls they sent from two to four in their second year.
Barnes, the daughter of Tracy and Tammy Barnes, called it a great experience. The 300 attendees were divided into 12 different cities, and Barnes said spending time with the other girls in her city was a highlight. They’ve continued to text since the end of Girls State, she said.
Fitzgerald, the daughter of Scott and Jacque Fitzgerald, described the experience as “amazing.” She said she’s normally shy but wasn’t at Girls State, getting along right off the bat with the others in her city. Fitzgerald said she enjoyed the debate they had between two fictional political parties, Nationalist and Federalist, and writing for the year book.
Price, the daughter of Jillian and Cory Hathorn, said she got to meet people from all over Mississippi.
“I really enjoyed making new friends and the experience of Girls State,” she said.
Teston, the daughter of Terry Teston and Debbie Terrell, said they had many opportunities to learn how the state government actually works. She was part of a team in her city that drafted bills, which were sent to the House and Senate that the girls elected, and voted on. Teston said one of the bills she worked on, which regulated police ticket quotas and giving speeding tickets if going within 10 mph of the posted speed limit, got passed.
Auxiliary members congratulated the girls on a great week and said they hope to continue to grow the local Girls State participation in the future. Their fundraisers throughout the year go toward sponsoring the girls’ attendance.
Pictured Above: Four girls from Marion County graduated from the 2019 American Legion Auxiliary Girls State on June 7 in Hattiesburg. They are pictured with members of the American Legion Post 90 Women’s Auxiliary, who sponsored their attendance. Front row, from left, are Natassiera Price, Nyirah Barnes and KaitLyn Fitzgerald; back row, Dale Mullins, Marlena Teston, Eula Blansett and Alice Greenlee. | Photo by Charlie Smith
