Local high school students were recognized for their selection to participate as delegates in the 2024 American Legion Alabama Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Programs during a recent meet and greet set up by American Legion Post 44.

Members of American Legion Post 44 and Auxiliary Unit 44 hosted an Americanism program to recognize the students sponsored by the post and community organizations and individuals. Also present were school officials from Gulf Shores and Robertsdale high schools and parents of the student delegates.

Alabama Boys State and Girls State delegates are among 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.

State Rep. Francis Holk-Jones, a former Girls State delegate from Foley High School over 47 years ago, was the keynote speaker. She referenced many political and civic leaders that she met when she was a delegate. She encouraged the students to value their experience and the relationships they formed. She also encouraged the students to always give something back to your community.

American Legion Post 44 Commander Dan Baccus recognized the students from three high schools selected to participate in the 87th-annual Alabama Boys State Program at Troy University in Troy. Delegates from Gulf Shores High School are Gavin Burttram, Jack Butler, Ethan Coeur, Ryder Dement, Vansh Gandhi, John Paul Hicks, Carter Kazman, Beck Montiel, Mason Nettles, Mario Sabanilla and Cline Steward. Delegates from Orange Beach High School are Will Lawrence, Aiden Smith and Blake Sterling. Delegates from Robertsdale High School are Bill Edmondson and Brice Hubbard.

Cindy Baccus, Unit 44 Auxiliary president, recognized Carleigh Jurkiewicz and Alexis Tetreau from Gulf Shores, Sarah Claire Carswell from Orange Beach and Ana Guerrero and Molly Krajewski from Robertsdale for their participation in the 80th-annual Alabama Girls State Program.

Though sponsored and operated as separate programs, the goals, challenges and rewards of American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State are alike.

The Boys State Program is sponsored and conducted by the American Legion while the Girls State Program is run by the American Legion Auxiliary. Numerous scholarship opportunities are available in both programs.

These week-long summer programs emphasize participation and personal experience in a model state, complete with its governing bodies and elected officials. The students set up a mythical government unit modeled after the Alabama state government. It is designed to supplement the information taught in high school civics classes. Student delegates hear from and meet a diverse array of Alabama leaders such as congressmen, state elected officials, business leaders, civic leaders and others.

"The American Legion believes there is no better way to assure the survival of our republic than to train our young people in the ideals and objectives of American government," a news release states. "By teaching youth to understand and appreciate the basic principles involved in the successful management of a democratic society, we can keep America strong and ensure freedom for future generations. These are the distinguished, long-standing objectives of these two American Legion Programs."

State-wide volunteers make this program successful. Attorneys, judges, high school and college teachers and coaches and public office-holders work with the students. The volunteer staffs are well trained and experienced leaders. These educators and leading citizens give their free time to ensure the delegates of both programs are given proper counsel and instructions.

However, it's not all work. An organized recreational program is included to permit each person in each city opportunities to participate in sports programs and/or music programs.

Though the entire week is funded by the American Legion and Auxiliary, many local posts look for sponsorship from local businesses and individuals to help fund the registration fee per student. Without community assistance, student participation would be very limited. Many of the local sponsors for this year's program were recognized at this program. Sponsors were the Ward Family Foundation, the Gulf Shores Kiwanis Club and Sons of the American Legion Squadron 44.

"We want to send as many students as we can," said Donna Stacey, Gulf Shores Post 44 Boys State coordinator. "In the spring, we start requesting donations for the program. The extra effort is well worth the investment for the future of these students and our communities."

Contact your local American Legion Post if you have questions about these programs or the annual High School Oratorical Scholarship Speech Contest. Sponsorship for a student to participate is always needed. Baldwin County American Legion Posts are in Gulf Shores, Foley, Lillian and Fairhope.