By PAUL CHASON
Special to Atmore News
The American Legion and our Legion Auxiliary are honored to recognize several outstanding young men and women from our community who represented us during this year’s American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary sponsored Boys and Girls State Programs and those who were selected to attend in 2020.
The ceremony is set for Thursday, August 19, 5:30 p.m., at the American Legion Post, 101 W. Church Street, Atmore.
First, what is Boys and Girls State? Alabama Boys State is one of the highest honors granted to Alabama students. Students from across the state are chosen based on their demonstration of leadership, hard work, strong morals, and motivation in school and community activities. Boys State week is a full and active week held on the campus of The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. At Boys State, student delegates find the opportunity to build new friendships, participate in a mock government, and hear from and meet a diverse array of Alabama leaders such as congressmen, state elected officials, business leaders, civic leaders, and others. Delegates have the opportunity to join interest groups that focus on their individual areas of interest such as law school, fire college, law enforcement academy, aerospace academy, lobbyists, city government, county government, constitutional convention, engineer / computer academy, and environmental interest group.
The American Legion Auxiliary’s marquee Girls State program is one of the most respected and coveted experiential learning programs presented in the United States. The program epitomizes the ALA’s mission to honor those who have brought us our freedom through our enduring commitment to develop young women as future leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. The young women become knowledgeable of the democratic process and how our republic form of government works at the state and national levels.
These are the young adults who were selected to represent our Post and our community:
Boys State
Escambia County High School: Bryson T. Williams, Sheldon J. Williams
Escambia Academy: Brady A. Howell, Ja’Daniel Nettles
Flomaton High School: Charles L. Henley, Logan G. Blancheri, William L. Morgan, Timothy N. Turner.
Girls State 2020 and 2021
Escambia Academy: Lillian Bonner (20), Jamison James (21)
Escambia County High School: Breanna McGowan (20), Jy’Kenia Wilson (21)
Flomaton High School: Carli Alcaniz (20), Mackenzie Morrison (21)
We hope these young people will provide comments about their experiences and things they learned during this event. Post 90 looks forward to honoring these outstanding folks from our community.
Thanks to our sponsors and members who help make this program possible: Pepsi Cola Bottling, South Alabama Vending, United Bank, PCI Endowment and Billy Elder.
We are thankful for your support and partnership in this outstanding program.
Paul Chason is Adjutant of American Legion Post 90.