Select students across the state have been chosen for a rare opportunity through the social studies department. Carly Bouchard, Ashby Nelson and Zenebework Saife-Selassie have been chosen to represent AHS for Girls State this summer. Miguel Claure Galindo, Aman Khan, Gregory Neilsen, John Oakes, Alay Tedla, Bashir Warsame and Benjamin Wolfenstein have been chosen for Boys State.

Boys and Girls State is a summer program designed to help students understand government in a unique setting among other highly motivated high schoolers across Virginia. According to boyandgirlsstate.org, “[Boys and Girls State] are the premier programs for teaching how government works while developing leadership skills & an appreciation for your rights as a citizen.”

Students had to complete an application, and each applicant was thoroughly reviewed and voted on by the social studies department.

“It was pretty tough because there were a lot of good candidates and the application process was okay except for the essay,” said junior Alay Tedla.

During the summer program students will run for office gaining the skills needed for public speaking and will work in a model government by creating and enforcing laws in a fictitious community. Additionally, Girls and Boys State will help students prepare for the future.

“I’m hoping to learn a lot of leadership skills which will really help me in the short and long term and I’ll learn more about the American government system which could really help me if I pursue a career in government,” said junior Benjamin Wolfenstein.

Students will also be introduced to new people across the state to make new friends and build connections.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting other girls who share my interest in government. I also am excited to be spending a week living at [a] college and getting that experience while having a mock government,” said junior Ashby Nelson.

At the end of the program one student will win the prestigious title of State Governor.

Several now famous politicians attended Boys and Girls State during their high school days. Guidance counselor Cliff Hickman said the program has produced “Bill Clinton and Jennifer Oakes.” Out of all the girls at Girls State last year, Oakes was voted for Girls Nation, a very prestigious honor. She had won the same honor that Clinton had won before her when he attended Boys State.

Undoubtedly, the event will be a thoroughly enjoyable and educational experience for all students in attendance.