American Legion Boys and Girls State delegates have been selected for 2016.
Boys and Girls State are premier programs for teaching how government works, while developing leadership skills and an appreciation of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
From May 29 through June 4, delegates from across the state will be involved in this summer program that allows them to run for office, learn public speaking, draft and debate legislation, and actively participate in all phases of creating and running a working government.
Boys State delegates are: Logan Dyer, Rylan Lorance, Logan Wilson, Blaine Wilson, Isaac Golden, Brendan Breedlove, Trey Crothers and Hayden Everett. Alternates, or substitutes for any boy who cannot go, are Sawyer Hall, John Keele and Paxton Smith.
Girls State delegates are: Chelsea Stewart, Hannah Wright, Macy Dishman, Erin Cantrell, Lauren Hennessee, and Caitlin Able. The alternate is Emma Mullican.
While the boys trip is paid entirely from American Legion Post 173 at a cost of $250 per delegate, funding for only one girl comes from American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post 173. At $300 per delegate, the remaining girls must be sponsored by a local business or individual. Stepping up to sponsor are Lisa Zavogiannis, Noon Rotary Club, Caney Fork Electric, First National Bank and Netherton Dentistry.
“We are always looking for businesses, organizations or individuals to sponsor one of the girls,” said LTC (R) Bruce Gipson, Boys and Girls State coordinator at Warren County High School. “We appreciate this year’s sponsors. This program is a very prestigious and respected educational program of government instruction in our nation. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the girls, as well as the boys.”
If anyone would like to sponsor one of the girls for next year’s program, contact Gipson at 668-5858. He is also the senior Army instructor for the school’s JROTC program.
All delegates must have completed their junior year of high school and have at least one semester of high school remaining to be eligible. To be chosen, students must exhibit the following characteristics: high moral character, outstanding leadership qualities, academic excellence, interest in government, community participation, and willingness to participate in program activities.
The 2016 girls program is offered on the campus of Lipscomb University in Nashville, while the boys program is offered on the campus of Tennessee Tech in Cookeville.