Limestone County will have a record presence at the upcoming Boys and Girls State.

“This year we have 28 boys registered,” said Bob Borden, Boys State Committee chairman, American Legion Post 49, Athens. “It is the largest Limestone County class ever. We are so proud of these young men and think they will well represent this county.”

The boys, known as delegates, will travel to Troy State University and participate in the program for one week, from May 26 until graduation on June 1. This is the second year Troy State has hosted Boys and Girls State.

Girls State will immediately follow Boys State, June 2-7. Dr. Leann Whittaker, president of the Post 49 American Legion Auxiliary, said nine Limsetone County girls will attend this year.

“Girl’s State opens their eyes. This opportunity makes government real for these girls,” Whitaker said.

Both the boys and the girls delegates are between their junior and senior years in high school. The program is a one-week intensely organized and fast-paced time of instruction and “hands-on” experience intended to improve the delegates leadership skills and their understanding of local and state government. The delegates organize themselves into two parties, the Nationalists and the Federalists, and elect officials at both local and state levels. There is also some time reserved for organized sports. Delegates will visit the state capitol in Montgomery and hold discussions with various elected officials and legislators. The boys have an opportunity to apply for scholarships, which are offered by all major in-state colleges and universities, and also by a few from out-of-state institutions.

Boys State has been a program of the American Legion since 1935, first held in Illinois. Presently, 49 departments of the American Legion (these are state level HQs) conduct Boys State programs. Following completion of the state level programs, some delegates from each state will be selected to attend Boys Nation in Washington, D.C. Boys Nation is sponsored and operated by the national HQ of the American Legion.

Alabama Boys State dates to 1937. This would be the 87th year, but the program was not conducted in 2020 because of the COVID pandemic.

The long-time director of the Alabama program is Judge O. L. “Pete” Johnson. His vice director is Col. (Ret.) Mark Valentine; and judge Joel Laird is chief of staff. Among staff heads, Limestone County’s Yancy Mitchell of Ardmore is Dean of Counselors.

The total number of staff responsible for the program is 70 to 80 people. Mitchell has 36 years assisting with the Boys State program, and he has 30 counselors assisting him. For more than 20 years, Mitchell has participated in the local Post 49 orientation program, which is unique in the state.

It is Post 49’s intent that the boys and girls have an opportunity to meet each and other learn what is ahead of them. Each year the Post hosts a pizza party for the young people and also invites parents. Th orientation was held Monday evening May 6, at the Alabama Veterans Museum.

The keynote speaker this year was Allie Elizabeth Turner, editor of Athens Now. Turner expressed appreciation for young people having growth opportunities such as Boys and Girls State and wished the delegates an enjoyable and rewarding experience. She shared stories from her own life, including her time with, and support of, the Army’s Special Forces in Iraq. Turner is a vocal supporter of veterans and programs for veterans. She encouraged the delegates to work hard and be creative, but also to be themselves. Her advice included trying to envision their future selves while living in the present, and to strive for success in all that they do.

Turner also advised, “don’t forget your creator, who cares so much for you. God is important to your future.” Also, “get your own copy of the United States Constitution. Read it. Learn it. Know it. The Constitution is fundamental to our democracy and our rights as citizens. Young people need to know what it is, what it says, and how it serves as the foundation of our country and our culture.”

The delegates were then briefed by Yancey Mitchell and his team on how to get ready for their participation at Troy and what to expect. Assisting Mitchell were two 2023 attendees who were top tier achievers at 2023 Boys State. They were Tom Fleming, 2023 Boys State governor, and Brandon Bruski, 2023 Boys State Lt. governor. Fleming is home-schooled within the Sparkman School District of Madison County. Bruski attends Madison County High School. Both men impressed upon the delegates what they needed to do to get the most out of the Boys State experience. They advised that Boys State is a fast-paced, content-deep experience, and stressed for them to “stay alert, be cooperative, stay on schedule, because you will have a lot to do, and the time will pass quickly.” They also emphasized the opportunity to earn scholarships and to “be prepared to apply for them when you arrive.”