Sunflower Girls State, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, will be from June 1 through June 6, on the University of Kansas Lawrence campus.

Young women from Augusta selected by Unit 189 of Augusta, to attend are:  Lauren Collins, daughter of Timothy and Dina Collins, Amanda Maly, daughter of John and Beverly Maly, and Jessica Keazer, daughter of Bill and Jill Keazer.

They will join approximately 465 other  young women who have just completed their junior year of high school and will “Learn by Doing” the political system involved in the government of Kansas.

Beginning at the city level, advancing to county and the state, the girls will register to vote, file nomination papers, conduct political campaigns, and prepare and present speeches.

Helen Bolton, Manhattan, is the 2007 Governor of Sunflower Girls State and will preside at the sessions.  Rachel Van Horn, Lawrence, the 2007 Lt. Governor, will be assisting.  The girls will be housed in Ellsworth Hall and the inauguration will be held in the Lied Performing Arts Center.

During the week, speakers on government at the various levels will share their expertise with the girls.  They will have the opportunity to ask questions about these individuals’ responsibilities in the government.  Speakers include:  Kathleen Sebelius, Governor of Kansas; Ron Thornburgh, Secretary of State;  LaVeta Miller, Department President of the American Legion Auxiliary; and other officials.

A staff of 60 American Legion Auxiliary members and former Girl Staters volunteer in service to the program.