6/8/01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Wendy Riggle, director, Girls State (319) 222-1832

Vicki Grimes, University Marketing and Public Relations, (319) 273-2761

Note to Editors: The Girls State staff requests that reporters covering events check in with a staff member. Delegates are housed in Dancer Hall and meetings are at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- A week of educational political activities is scheduled for the 56^th session of the Iowa American Legion Auxiliary Girls State, beginning Sun., June 10, at the University of Northern Iowa's Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center (GBPAC). The session marks the 49^th consecutive year Girls State has met on the UNI campus.

More than 300 high school girls from around the state will learn about the workings of Iowa government, including how to file nomination papers, campaign for office and set up party platforms. Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack will address the delegates and their guests at the inaugural banquet at 5 p.m. Friday, June 15, in the Maucker Union Expansion. The inauguration of the Girls State governor and state officers will begin at 7 p.m. in the Great Hall of the GBPAC.

Other speakers during the week will be Karel Murray, motivational speaker, Sun., June 10; Sandra Heckstein, auditor, Mitchell County, Mon., June 11; and Chet Culver, Iowa secretary of state, Mon., June 11.

All delegates are assigned to mythical Nationalist and Federalist parties in the state of Hawkeye. There also are four mythical cities called Ladehoff, Hanson, Hinderman and Young; and the mythical counties of Carr and Macrae. During the week, participants will attend party precinct and ward caucuses, elect candidates, and appoint election officials. City council members, mayors, county representatives, senators and state officers also will be elected. The Girls Sate governor will be elected Thurs., June 14.

Participants are sponsored by their local American Legion Auxiliaries.

###