Girls State marks 40 years at Longwood University

Virginia Girls State commemorated 40 years of partnership with Longwood University this week by presenting Darlene Bratcher, director of conferences and event services, with a plaque marking the milestone.

"This is a special year for the citizens of Girls State," said Susan Lee, Virginia Girls State director. "We are proud of our longtime partnership with Longwood, with whom we work cohesively to ensure the rising high-school seniors have a successful week each year."

Virginia Girls State, a citizenship seminar sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, has been held at Longwood since 1974 and was first held in 1947. Participants, most of whom are nominated by their school and sponsored by their local chapter of the American Legion Auxiliary, conduct the affairs of municipal government after breaking up into two parties and 14 "cities."