Director: Natalie Riley, Dexter MO
The Director is appointed by the Department (State) President and serves one year. She oversees all of the preparation associated with Missouri Girls State (MGS) and is assisted by a committee comprised of members who also are appointed by the Department President.
Committee Members:
Patty Garrett, Miller; Martha Yancey, Warrensburg; Linda Schaap, Raytown; Jackie Rahm, St. Louis; Mary Harper, Barnard and Evelyn Roderick, Warrensburg.
During MGS, these volunteers along with approximately 75 additional men and women serve to provide the best experience for all citizens. Below are some of the positions and their responsibilities.
County Counselors
There are seven (7) counties with three (3) cities in each. The county counselor advises all county activities and government structure. The county counselors also provide information and can be an advisor to the city counselors assigned to her county.
City Counselors
There are 21 cities at MGS, and each citizen is assigned to a city. Each city is assigned a specific numbers of dorm rooms, and the citizens become very close in friendship, spirit and activities. Each city eats together in Ellis Hall Dining Room, is assigned a section of Hendricks Hall for assemblies and forms the city government and structure in order to function at MGS. The city counselor advises and supervises these activities. At night, she takes “bed check” and is the closest staff member to her citizens.
Assistant City Counselors
These young women attended a recent MGS session, and applied to return and join the staff. They serve a variety of roles and duties, all of which are invaluable to the busy weekly schedule.
Political Advisors
Each citizen is assigned a political party upon arrival – the Nationalist (Blue) or the Federalists (Red). These political parties serve as the basis and structure of bipartisan politics including campaigning, elections and appointments at city, county and state levels. The parties provide a spirited opportunity to cheer and motivate fellow citizens as “they throw their hats into the political ring.”
MO State Highway Patrol
Two (2) Highway Patrol officers are assigned to MGS to be instructors as well as additional security and advisors to MGS Highway Patrol.
Schools of Instruction
Each citizen selects one (1) class that meets daily beginning on Monday and concludes with an exam on Friday morning. Each citizen selects the class of most interest to her. Classes include Law, Law Enforcement, Legislative Procedures, Executive School and Communications/Media.
Other Support Staff Members
Nurses
Registered nurses serve on staff throughout the entire week. Girls can seek medical attention at any time. Over-the-counter medications can be administered if the citizen’s physician signed the health form as indicated. If warranted the nurses will arrange a citizen to be seen by a doctor. Parents are called immediately if this occurs.
Newspaper
The Gazette News is published daily. It contains election news, events occurring within cities, and any general information for the “good of the group.” Each city selects reporters whose responsibilities include promoting their cities with news items for the paper. The newspaper advisor is a professional journalist.
Canteen and Shopper
The canteen is conveniently location on the main floor of the dorm and is staffed by a great group of ladies almost all hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. everyday. The store will have MGS souvenirs including the snacks, drinks, and convenience items that, over the years, have been frequently requested. The 2008 Souvenir Picture CD will also be sold at the store; however, since the CD will contain pictures from the entire week, the actual CD will be professionally copied immediately after MGS and mailed to your home. For those who forget something or run out before the week is over and this item is not at the canteen, a shopper is available to make the daily run to the discount store. You would be amazed of some of the things she has been asked to buy over the years (and most of the time, she has been successful!).
Banker
Citizens bring money to spend on souvenirs, snacks, drinks and other necessities as needed. It is never safe to leave a large amount of money in dorm rooms. The banker holds reserve money that any citizen “deposits” for safe keeping in her personal account and is available during all free time hours for a “withdrawal.” An UMB Bank ATM also is available in the dorm lobby area for citizens to use.
Chorus/Band Director
Citizens who love to sing or play a musical instrument can join the MGS chorus or band and practice on free time. The band plays at most assemblies, providing a peppy atmosphere that gets the spirit going. The chorus performs during the week, and its main performance is immediately before the Inauguration Friday evening.
Activities Director
Opportunities abound throughout the week within the city, county and state levels and also on the individual level with contests and projects. Guidelines and rules governing each opportunity will be provided by the Activities Director and her staff.
Governor
Each MGS session elects state-wide officials. The 2007 elected governor returns for the 2008 session to be the “official head of state,” serves as chair of all assemblies and fulfills any other responsibilities as directed.
Superintendent of MO Girls State Highway Patrol
This citizen was a member of the MGS Highway Patrol last year and was interviewed and selected by the governor-elect to return with her this year. The “Super” serves as bodyguard, companion, suitemate and friend of the Governor. She is head of 2008 MGS Highway Patrol and is in charge of lost and found and other law enforcement situations.
State-wide officials
MGS staff administration may invite delegates that were elected on the state general election ballot to serve in their elected positions this session. They also might be asked to help as needed in other capacities as well.
