2009 Girls Nation Opening Convocation

Lorenda S. Lawrence

From the Department of Louisiana

National Assistant Girls State Director 2009

Girls Nation is fortunate to have many distinguished guest this year.

Mary "Dubbie" Buckler with Indiana Senator Cori Stewart (left) and Indiana Senator Allison Feikes (right)

Mary "Dubbie" Buckler, National Secretary/Executive Director, American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters visited the Girls Nation Senators Saturday and Sunday. "Dubbie" is proud to have served as the Federalist Party Chair, years ago, at Hoosier Girls State. She addressed the opening convocation and spoke on how fortunate that only 98 girls nation wide are selected to attend this prestigious program every year.

Barbara Stone (MD) with Maryland Senator Kathleen Mullen (left) and Senator Comfort Mudoh (right)

The Girls Nation program is housed in the National 4-H Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland each year. Vice President of Partners Operations of the National 4-H Council, Barbara Stone addressed the opening convocation.

Sara Coffy (SC) with Junior Counselor Libby Boerger, South Carolina Senator Annie Konduros, South Carolina Senator Laura Gamble, Junior Counselor Leacy Burke (left to right)

Sara Coffy is the Development Director for the National Philharmonic Orchestra based in Bethesda, Maryland. Sara attended South Carolina Girls State and Girls Nation in 2001 and returned to Girls Nation in 2003 as a junior counselor.