On Saturday, Sept. 17, the American Legion Otho Morgan Post 17 and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 17 held a luncheon to recognize students from Greenville, Boles, and Commerce High Schools who attended Boys and Girls State this past summer.

Boys and Girls State is a fully funded summer program attended by some of the most elite students in the state where participants learn the rights, privileges and responsibilities of franchised citizens. The training is objective and centers on the structure of city, county and state governments.

Operated by students elected to various offices, Boys and Girls State activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses and recreational programs. Girls State mirrors the structure and purpose of Boys State with only slight differences.

GHS seniors Mari Wilcock, Landon Anderson and Thomas Flater were honored for their successful participation in the program. Halli Mason, Laney Himes, Taylor McClelland, and Jason Miller also attended Boys and Girls State, but were not present at the ceremony. The honorees shared their experiences with the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary members in attendance. Several humorous and interesting stories were shared, but all agreed that it was a tremendous opportunity and one they will never forget.

They join the ranks of past Boys and Girls State attendees, such as Bill Clinton, Michael Jordan, Ann Richards, Samuel Alito, Bruce Springsteen and many more.

Congratulations to all who were selected to attend. Selection for the Summer 2023 programs will begin in February/March of 2023 and is open to current juniors.