MADISON – 2013 isn’t an election year, but campaigns were lively in Tuscaloosa during Alabama Girls State. Alexis Gurganious, Cassidy Elliott and Sarah Schumacher represented Bob Jones High School.

Counselors and program leaders selected Gurganious as “Most Outstanding Delegate.” She received a $12,000 scholarship to the University of Alabama.

To earn the honor, Gurganious “exemplified values and political activism that Alabama Girls State strives to recognize,” including community leadership, scholastic achievements and enthusiasm throughout the week. She ran for office, gave speeches and promoted debate on controversial issues.

Aleix Gurganious was named “Most Outstanding Delegate” at Alabama Girls State. (CONTRIBUTED)

In addition, Gurganious was appointed to Deputy Attorney General of the State of Alabama. She later was appointed and represented the delegation at the Alabama Attorney General’s office in Montgomery.

When the week started, she was assigned as state senator. All school delegates were split evenly into house and senate chambers for the activities on June 9-14. As in real politics, the senators proposed, debated and voted on bills on the senate floor.

Gurganious was interested in attending “because I’m already politically active in my community. I thought this experience would further my career goals of political science and constitutional law. This experience was a life-changing opportunity.”

Gurganious grew up in Melbourne, Fla. and then lived in Knoxville, Tenn. Relocating to Madison in 2010, she finished her freshman year at Discovery Middle School. Now a Bob Jones senior, she is Interact Club president, Young Politicians Club vice president and Student Government representative. She coordinated the Links of Love for Haiti benefit and belongs to numerous honor societies.

“My dad, Dr. LeRoy Gurganious, is an orthopedic surgeon at Lincoln Medical Center in Fayetteville, Tenn., while my mom, Valora Gurganious, is a senior management consultant with Doctors Management, a premier healthcare firm,” she said. Alexis’ sister is a Bob Jones sophomore.

“We’ve all adjusted very well to living in Madison and love the area, as well as the diversity of the town,” Alexis said.

The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors Alabama Girls State. For more information, visit alabamagirlsstate.org.