Sam Wall
editor@ourvalley.org
Seven Radford High School students were recognized at a recent American legion meeting for attending Virginia Boys and Girls State this past summer. The students pictured along with members of the legion are: front row (from left) Sara Moody, Keeleigh Cormany and Alison Moody; back row Chet Kleppin, Grayson Hurst, Sam Coulson and guidance counselor Pamela Chitwood. Not pictured was Grace Wohlford.
Seven students were recognized by the American Legion at a recent meeting for their participation in the Virginia Boys and Girls State programs,
The weeklong camp gives rising high school seniors an in-depth look at how local and state governments are constructed.
According to the camp’s website, “the training is objective and practical with city, county and state governments operated by the students elected to the various offices. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs.”
In addition to sponsoring the students, Radford’s American Legion, Harvey-Howe-Carpenter Post 30 took time at a recent meeting to recognize their participation in the program.
Legion member Max Mottesheard, who is also in charge of the post’s s state board, praised the kids for getting into the program that only accepts a few hundred boys and girls each year.
“It is a great honor and will help these young people going forward in their lives. It is important to know the functions of government and how it all works,” he said.
The boys spent the week at Radford University while the girls camp was held at Longwood University.
Senior Alison Moody said that she enjoyed meeting new people and understanding how government works.
“My experience was something I could never forget,” she said. “I liked that everyone there had a voice.”
Post Commander Dana Jackson said that the camp, which celebrated its 75th year, has been a significant achievement for a long time.
“This is something that has always been special, even when I was in High school.”
To find out how to apply for the camp, visit www.vaboysstate.org/index.shtml, or ww.vagirlsstate.org.