By PAUL CHASON
Special to Atmore News
Billy Glenn Rushing Post 90 announces the candidates for this year’s Alabama Boys and Girls State’s Programs. Thanks to our donors and school officials who make these programs available for our local students. With their support, we were able to fund nine young men and five young women this year. They will spend time at Troy University during May and June learning about how our government is designed to function at various levels.
This is important because the YOUTH of today are LEADERS of tomorrow!
Boys State
Escambia Academy
Timothy Doerr
Eli Covington
Patrick Byrd
Escambia County High School
Stephen Williams
Paul Martin
Flomaton High School
Jackson Haney
Michael Morgan
Jason Alaniz
Jackson Newton
Alabama Boys State began in 1937. Today, the American Legion conducts a Boys State program in 49 states. Hawaii is the only state that does not have a Boys State program. District of Columbia delegates attend either the Maryland, Virginia, or DC Boys States.
The American Legion believes that the survival of our republic rests on training our youth in the ideals and objectives of American government. Boys State is a unique summer program that does not rely on lectures and textbook scenarios, but hands on experience and participation in a model state government. Boys State was founded to supplement the curriculum taught in high school civics classes. The program teaches that the preservation of our democracy depends on informed citizens electing responsible officials to administer our government. More details about the program can be found at: https://alboysstate.org/what-is-boys-state/
Girls State
Escambia Academy
Hannah Johnson
Escambia County High School
Lyriel Munlyn
Flomaton High School
Helen Weber
T.R. Miller
Serenity Mitchell
W.S. Neal
Emily Pettis
Alabama Girls State is a week-long, fun-filled, hands-on learning opportunity for some of the best and brightest young women in the State of Alabama. Sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA), Alabama Girls State is a premier youth leadership program which offers a one-of-a-kind experience to its delegates. The 2023 Session of ALA Alabama Girls State will take place June 4-9, 2023 on the campus of Troy University in Troy, Alabama.
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. You can find additional information at: http://www.alabamagirlsstate.com/delegate-information.html.
Please be sure to let our program partners know you appreciate their support helping to provide a valuable experience for our local youth. Our partners for this year are as follows:
* Alto Products
* Atmore Flower Shop
* Atmore Rotary Club
* Bub Gideons
* Escambia Lawn and Rental
* Mattress Depot
* Pepsi Cola Bottling Company
* Reynolds Real Estate
* South Alabama Vending
* State Farm Insurance
* United Bank
Billy Elder, Post 90 First Vice Commander, was instrumental in contacting everyone and providing information to our partners and school administrators. Post 90 is very appreciative of the time and effort Billy expended in this very valuable program for our community.
Paul Chason is American Legion Post 90 Adjutant.