Pike Liberal Arts juniors Morgan Dubose and Megan Davis don’t have their bags packed yet but both are anxiously awaiting what they call a fantastic opportunity.

On May 29, they will leave for Washington D.C. where they will take their 4-H experience to another level.

Citizenship Washington Focus is a six-day intensive summer citizenship program for high school youth from across the country.

Dubose and Davis were chosen for the program through an application process that included records of what they have accomplished in 4-H over the years, as well as their academic standings, volunteer service and a written essay and the recommendations of three community leaders or teachers.

“This is a real honor for both of us and a great opportunity,” Davis said. “I’ve been a member of 4-H since fourth grade and, through 4-H, I’ve had many opportunities that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”

Dubose has also been a member of 4-H since fourth grade and agreed that many doors have been opened for her because of her involvement.

“Citizenship Washington Focus is another one of those opportunities,” she said. “The ninth grade classes at Pike Liberal Arts go to Washington every year, so I’ve been before but this will be different. We will take classes and learn a lot about our government and how it works.”

Dubose said when she toured the nation’s capital as a ninth-grader, it was winter and snowing.

“This time, I’ll be there in the spring so we should get to see and do a lot more things,” she said.

Davis said she is looking forward to meeting with the Congressmen from Alabama and hearing their views on different issues facing the nation.

Dubose said Citizenship Washington Focus will be an opportunity to meet young people from all across the country and compare views on different subjects and issues.

“Four-H has opened so many doors for me already,” she said. “The trip to Washington will be exciting but 4-H on the local level is exciting, too. This year will be my fifth and final year competing in the annual Pike County Cattlemen’s Steer and Heifer Show. I’ve learned so much from doing that and met so many nice people. I’m going to miss all of that.”

Dubose and Davis participate in many of the 4-H programs, including the Farm-City Week poster and essay contests. They are both actively involved in school activities.

Davis is a member of the Yearbook staff and the Beta Club and is the vice-president of the 4-H Council. Dubose is a Dugout Doll and a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club and co-editor of the Yearbook.

“We are involved in community service programs and were bell ringers for the Salvation Army at Christmastime, Dubose said.

Davis’ future plans include attending either Auburn University of Troy University and majoring in some area of the medical field or something agriculture related.

Dubose will also attend either Auburn or Troy and major in secondary education.

But no matter what college or career path they choose, Davis and Dubose said they know that they will be better prepared because of the many things they have learned in 4-H and the many doors of opportunity that have been opened for them, with Citizenship Washington Focus being chief among them.