By Staff
Melissa Perry, representative of T. R. Miller High School, recently attended the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Program held on the campus of Troy University.  Girls State has provided the opportunity for students to participate in a hands-on citizenship training program for over 60 years. 
Nearly 350 high school junior girls from across the state of Alabama participated in the week-long program. 
During the week, the delegates organized cities, develop and pass legislations, and vote on officials. 
While participating in Girls State, Perry was elected state official under the position of Criminal Appeals Judge. 
Guest speakers at the event included State Treasurer Kay Ivey, Attorney General Troy King, Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, and Lieutenant Governor Jim Folsom, Jr. among others. 
The delegates finished the week with a visit to the State Capitol and met with Governor Bob Riley. 
Because Perry was elected as judge, she was chosen to visit the Alabama Supreme Court and speak with Supreme Court Associate Justice Lyn Stuart and Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Sam Welch. 
Perry is the daughter of Brewton attorney James Michael Perry and retired schoolteacher, Tammy Perry.