BANGOR, Maine — More than 220 girls from throughout Maine will converge on the Husson University campus Sunday for the start of the 65th session of Dirigo Girls State.
During this year’s session, Maine girls who have completed their junior year of high school will gain some firsthand experience through mock sessions designed to show how town, county and state governments operate in Maine.
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins will deliver Sunday night’s keynote speech, which will be followed by an address about the naturalization process.
On Monday, Tim Wilson, past executive director of the Seeds of Peace program in Otisfield, will discuss the significance of that program to world peace. The address will be the 26th he has delivered to Girls State delegates so far, according to a news release issued by Director Nora Thombs.
Gov. Paul LePage will be the featured speaker on Tuesday, as delegates are actively campaigning and gearing up for Wednesday’s primary elections and political rallies. Delegates will elect their next governor on Thursday.
The five-day session will culminate on Friday, with inauguration and closing ceremonies. The final events will include the annual talent show and graduation ceremonies and the announcement of which two girls will represent Maine during Girls Nation later this summer in Washington, D.C.