By Lauren Johnson

Local students have gotten an up-close look at how the government functions at Boys State and Girls State.

“According to American Legion Auxiliary, the sponsor for Alabama Girls State, de-veloping leadership skills, confidence, and action-based understanding of the government process gives young women a lasting foundation for success, both person-ally and professionally. The American Legion Auxiliary believes that educating youth about the basic ideals and principles of government will help ensure the survival of our democracy.

“These eleventh graders (attending girls and boys state) spend a week at a univer-sity learning different parts of the government, and a mayor is elected for each city as well as other officials,” said Kim Braisted. “Overall, it’s a great experience for them.”

Albama Girls State, which is being hosted at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, hosted Gov. Kay Ivey Thursday to deliver the keynote address to the Girls State delegates.

Local girls participating include Quarissa Caffie from Pike County High School, Evie Pearson from Pike Liberal Arts School, and Janna Miles from Zion Chapel High School.

Alabama Boys State took place May 26 through June 1 at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

Local boys that participated include Tyquavious Smith from Pike County High School;Eli Grice, Chip Faircloth, and Davis Allen from Pike Liberal Arts School; and Korin Jacobs from Zion Chapel High School.

American Legion also sponsors Alabama Boys State, teaching participants similar character traits and about parts of local, county, and state government.