Ocean Springs Mayor, Connie Moran speaks at Magnolia Girls State

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - American Legion Auxiliary's Magnolia Girls State returned to Southern Miss for its 69th session.

All this week, 280 young women from across the state have been talking to political guest speakers.

Girls State is a week-long program that provides select high school seniors hands-on learning opportunities about inner workings of federal, state, and local government through simulated political campaigns.

Ocean Springs Mayor, Connie Moran spoke to the young women Thursday on the importance of helping the community.

"There's a lot of ambitious, alpha females out there. But, if you are very, very competitive and you just want to be the top dog all the time, then I advice not to go in public service, because we're looking for public servants. It's about the community and helping others, rather it's asphalting a road, or helping a head start program in your community, beautification efforts, recreation & parks. It's so much fun to build a community and approve the quality of life of all of our citizens," said Mayor Moran.