Two Bayside Academy juniors have been selected to participate in Alabama Boys State, a statewide leadership and government program for high school students. Sebastian Winstead and Cruz McMurry, pictured, will attend the weeklong program May 24-30 at The University of Alabama. Boys State programs are held in nearly every state across the country, with Hawaii as the only exception. According to the American Legion, “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.” Participants in Boys State take part in a simulated state government, where they campaign for office, draft and debate legislation and learn firsthand how local and state governments operate.