Staff Writer

The 2001 Boys and Girls State representatives from Troy were the guests of honor at the combined meeting of American Legion Post 70 and its auxiliary

Sept. 20.

Sarah Newland and Whitney Locklar were selected by the American Legion Auxiliary as their representatives to Girls State, held at Troy State University this past summer.

American Legion Post 70 chose Scott Kirby and Phillip Henderson as their representatives to Boys State at Samford University.

Fred Krepps, post commander, expressed his confidence in America’s youth and congratulated the representatives for their commitment to their country, their community and the American way of life.

"We are proud of these young people," he said. "They were selected from an outstanding group of candidates and they represented Troy well."

Krepps said today’s young people are the leaders of tomorrow and the future rests on their shoulders.

"These young men and women are willing to take on the responsibilities facing them and I’m sure they welcome the many opportunities before them," he said. "You’ve heard it said that behind every great man there stands a women. Well, I say to you that behind every good child, there are good parents. These young people have good parents. We admire them all."

Newland

told the Post members that Girls State was a most informative and exciting week.

"Everything was so exciting and spirits were high all week," she said. "Girls State is a patriotic event and we learned a lot about the legislative process. We formed friendships that will last forever."

For Locklar, Girls State enhanced her work experience with a local attorney and perhaps, gave her more insight to the direction she might choose for her life’s work.

"I especially enjoyed hearing Attorney General Bill Pryor," Locklar said. "But, the entire week was a wonderful experience for me and one that I will never forget."

The young men went away from home to experience Boys State and, for both, it was a fun, learning experience.

"I really didn’t know what to expect from Boys State," Henderson said. "But, I met a lot of people and had a lot of fun. There were so many good speakers and each one of them had something to say that I will always remember. Boys State was a great experience."

Kirby used the word, "growing" to describe his experience at Boys State.

"Boys State was a growing experience for me," he said. "I learned a lot about state government and how it is put into practice. I had the opportunity to serve as the chief of police and, although I had to get up early, I had fun. Boys State gave us a chance to learn new things and meet new people. It was a good experience and a great opportunity."

Each representative expressed appreciation to the members the American Legion and the Auxiliary for giving them an opportunity that few young people have – that of being a member of Boys State and Girls State – for the confidence they placed in them as leaders of tomorrow.

The parents of the four representatives were also guests of the Post 70 and the Auxiliary. Proud parents are Bryan and Susan Newland, Wade and Allene Locklar, Kurt and Joan Henderson and David "Doc" and Becky Kirby.