Local youths at Boys, Girls State

Wanting to learn more about how the government works on the local, state and national levels prompted several students from the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts to apply to serve as delegates at Boys State and Girls State.
“I am very interested in a career in government so I thought that Girls State would be a great taste of the future,” said Annie Noel, a rising senior from Mandeville.
“I hope to learn more about the intricacies of what it really takes to run our mock state.”
Elizabeth Long, a rising senior from Natchitoches, hopes to learn more about what it takes to be a contributing citizen and how important it is to be active in government and her community.
“I wanted to attend Girls State because I am interested in taking a closer look on how government works and learning about all of the different steps it takes to make a government successful,” she said.
Milan Arpino, a rising senior from Monroe, has a strong interest in political science and law.
She is very interested in American history and the political process.
“Attending Girls State will increase my knowledge about the United States and the Louisiana governmental process,” said Arpino.
All three students look forward to meeting girls from across the state that have the same interests as them and becoming lifelong friends.
Also attending will be Maya Bochas, a rising senior from Morgan City.
Parker Felterman, a rising senior from Patterson, will attend Boys State.
“I would like a more hands-on approach to the democratic process, and I am looking forward to meeting new people with similar interests as me,” he said.
Girls State participants are sponsored by local American Legion Auxiliary units. Boys State is sponsored by American Legion posts.
Boys State and Girls State will run through Saturday on the campus of Northwestern State University.