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Photographs  On Sunday when the delegates arrive, the City of Ashland experiences an above normal traffic flow.  The Ohio State Highway Patrol brings their Mobile Command Vehicle to the week of Girls State to provide delegates an opportunity to tour the vehicle.  Volunteers from the American Legion Auxiliary assist in the registration process at this week's Girls State. Their assistance is a vital part that allows the expeditious registration of over 900 delegates.  Often seen, complete families arrived in Ashland along with their daughters to help with their luggage and say their goodbyes.  Delegates enter the gymnasium at Ashland University, eager and ready to begin the week at Buckeye Girls State.  Delegates register and receive their City assignments completing the registration process.  Buckeye Girls State items are available for sale at registration.  Gerald's Studio of Ashland, gives delegates an opportunity to order a 2007 Buckeye Girls State yearbook.  Staff member Cimmeron Taylor directs the delegates to their assigned dorms.  Parents say their goodbyes to the daughters as they send them on their educational journey.  After the delegates arrive at their dorms, City Counselors greet them and give them their room keys and packets.  Shortly after their City mixers, delegates become integrated and create a cheer for their city. City cheering is a large tradition at Girls State and has been around for many years.  At the opening ceremony, two delegates are afforded the opportunity to advance the American Flag and the official Buckeye Girls State flag to be set in place and flown the entire week.  During the naturalization ceremony, Ashland County Juvenile-Probate Court Judge Damian Vercillo swears in all delegates as official citizens to the mythical state of Buckeye Girls State.  The swearing in of delegates is a vital part of the program and ensures that each delegate is afforded the opportunity to participate in all areas of government.  The 2006 Buckeye Girls State Governor was the guest speaker at the opening ceremony. Her heartfelt speech was both inspiring and encouraging.
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