Legion Aux. Sponsors Girls State Delegates with Funding from South Shore Foundation
July 2008

Ellie Iske

Caroline Proctor

Due to the efforts of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 340 at Diamond City and funding by a South Shore Foundation grant, high school girls from northern Boone County schools were selected to attend Girls State in June. The citizenship training program was held at the campus of Harding University in Searcy.   

Chosen as delegates were: Ellie Iske and Aubrey Elkins, who attend Omaha High School, and Heather Johnson and Caroline Proctor, who attend Bergman High School. Alternate Cara Pemberton of Bergman attended in place of Miss Johnson, who could not attend due to scheduling.

Selection of delegates for Girls State is based upon leadership, character, scholarship, cooperativeness, and community service, said Sandra Wright, Auxiliary chairman for Girls State.

“We are extremely proud to be a sponsor of Girls State and we appreciate South Shore Foundation’s support. The girls learn a lot about the political process,” said Mrs. Wright. Delegate fees to Girls State were paid with a $1,050 grant from the South Shore Foundation for up to six delegates, but since Lead Hill High School did not participate this year, the extra funding will carry over into next year’s budget for Girls State, Mrs. Wright said.

The American Legion Auxiliary also provided delegates with funds for miscellaneous expenses while at Girls State.

Girls State provides citizenship training for girls in their junior or third year of high school. They elect their own officials from mythical cities and counties, organize their own Legislature, and have official visits to their counterparts in the state capitol. For more information about Girls State, contact Mrs. Wright by e-mail at dswright@southshore.com.

South Shore Foundation is the charitable arm of NATCO, a family-owned, independent telecommunications company since 1951, serving six telephone exchanges in Marion and Boone Counties: Bull Shoals, Diamond City, Flippin, Lead Hill, Omaha, and Pyatt. For more information or for a grant application, call 1-800-775-6682.