Mayra Ramirez of Great Bend High School has been chosen by Unit 180 of Kansas American Legion Auxiliary to attend the 77th annual session of Sunflower Girls State on the Kansas University, Lawrence campus. Sunflower Girls State is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, June 2-7.

Ramirez is the daughter of Maria and Abiu Ramirez.

Approximately 250 young women who have just completed their junior year of high school 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.

Katherine Neal, Hutchinson, was the 2018 Governor of Sunflower Girls State and will preside at the sessions with Brevin Armstrong, Hutchinson, the 2018 Lt. Governor. Events will be held at the University of Kansas.

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 government.

Speakers will include: The Honorable Judge G. Joseph Pierron, Kansas Court of Appeals; Dr. Barbara Ballard, State Representative; Ms. Melissa Burton, Department President of the American Legion Auxiliary; and other state, county and city officials.

Rachel Barnes, Mission, is the 2019 director of Sunflower Girls State and Lindsay Maudlin will serve as assistant director. A staff of 50 American Legion Auxiliary members and former Girls Staters volunteer in service to this program.