Mississippi Girls State

A trip to Mississippi Girls State might be an excellent idea for women who want to become more involved in politics. The program has been called a “Godsend for poor girls” by the state legislature. Some women found intellectual training to be detrimental, and not all women accepted it. The state of Mississippi realized that young women would need to learn how to support themselves, and so they began planning for that possibility.

Girls State programs are designed to help girls develop civic engagement and leadership skills. Participants take on civic duties such as setting up city governments and electing officials. In addition, they learn about current events and government, which prepares them for the real world. Girls who complete the program return to their communities a better citizen. They are more likely than others to get involved in civic affairs and to be more active in their communities because they are empowered as leaders.

The American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program aims to expose young women and girls to the responsibilities of citizens and their right vote. It selects outstanding delegates and prepares them to run a state or local government. Delegates participate in legislative sessions, campaigning, field trips, bands, choruses, and more. Two Mississippi representatives will be selected as outstanding delegate and will represent their state at American Legion Girls Nation, Washington, DC.

Blakemore was a two-time Mississippi Girls State Doubles Champion and attended Lexington Christian Academy in Kentucky. She was also named to the Under Armour All-America Watch List for 2020. In her senior year, Blakemore recorded 249 assists and 153 digs in a season that included the runner-up finish at the 2019 Mississippi State Volleyball Championship. A two-time Mississippi Girls State Doubles Champion in tennis, Blakemore also played on the state championship team twice.