This is the 70th year for the event and the 15th consecutive year that the University of South Dakota has hosted ALA SD Girls State, which teaches participants every aspect of American government, from the state and local level to the federal and executive branches. Delegates are divided into cities and counties where they have an opportunity to run for a mythical political office ranging from governor to local law enforcement positions.

They will also learn firsthand from state and local public servants, including South Dakota congressional members Sens. John Thune and Mike Rounds and Rep. Kristi Noem, South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, and state Reps. Billie Sutton, Jean Hunhoff and Mike Stevens.

Inauguration of the new ALA SD Girls State governor will take place at 8 p.m. Friday, June 3, at Aalfs Auditorium in Slagle Hall with Elizabeth Spier, 2015 governor, providing the keynote address. The ALA SD Girls State Chorus, under the direction of Ethel Cooper, of Springfield, South Dakota, will present a patriotic concert prior to the inauguration ceremony.

Organizers have added a final event this year that will offer training to the delegates, their families and the general public on how to respond to someone with a gun who’s intending to do harm. At 9 a.m. Saturday, June 4, Yankton police Lt. Michael Burgeson will lead an active shooter presentation in Aalfs Auditorium. He is an Army veteran and active South Dakota National Guard soldier.

A complete list of activities and events, live video stream and other information is available at www.usd.edu/girlstate.

Press Contact
Hanna DeLange
Contact Email [email protected]
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