Girls State is a nonpartisan program that teaches young women responsible citizenship and love for God and Country. Since the inception of the Girls State program in 1937, nearly one million young women have had the opportunity to learn first-hand how their state and local government works.

High school girls, who have completed their junior year, spend an intensive week of study, working together as self-governing citizens at Auxiliary sponsored Girls State programs in every state, with the exception of Hawaii. They learn how to participate in the functioning of their state's government in preparation for their future roles as responsible adult citizens.

Two girls are selected from each Girls State program (with the exception of Hawaii) to attend Girls Nation, a national government training program. Girls Nation "senators" meet for a week in Washington, D.C., where they run for political office, campaign for the passage of legislation and possibly meet with state Representatives and Senators. Capping off the week of Girls Nation is a meeting with the President of the United States at the White House.

• Annamarie Cantrell, daughter of Jody and Tonia Cantrell, plans to pursue a career in teaching. She is sponsored by Kent Chevrolet.
• Samantha Shaw, daughter of Renay and Jim Shaw, follows in her sister’s footsteps in attending Girls State. She is sponsored by Kirby & Family Funeral Directors.
• Lacey Tarter is the daughter of Gerald and Anita Tarter. She plans to become a veterinarian specializing in large animals and is sponsored by Slone Pet Clinic.
• Meggan Thompson of Norfork high School, daughter of Jana Anderson, has already started training to become a paramedic. Meggan is sponsored by Century Tel and Arvest Bank.