By Marilyn Miller
The annual Louisiana Boys and Girls State Appreciation Dinner took place Tuesday, Sept. 9 at the American Legion Hall in Minden. Hosted by Wiley-Pevy Post #74, the dinner and program included the 2025 participants from high schools in Webster Parish.
Post Commander John Becker welcomed the large crowd of participants, families, guests, American Legion members and American Legion Auxiliary members. Chaplain Col. Carl Thompson delivered the invocation. A representative of Boys State led the pledge, and a member of Girls State conducted a POW MIA Ceremony.
Ed LaBruyere, chairman of the Post’s Boys State program gave a brief history of Boys and Girls State.
At Boys and Girls State, participants learn the rights, privileges and responsibilities of franchised citizens. The training is objective and centers on the structure of city, parish and state government. Operated by students elected to various offices, Boys and Girls State activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses and recreational programs.”
A national program of the American Legion, Boys State was organized in 1935 in response to Hitler’s use of young German men joining the Hitler Youth Movement. The Girls State program was organized by the American Legion Auxiliary in 1940.
Janet LaBruyere, chairman of the Legion Auxiliary’s Girls State programs for the Fourth Congressional District introduced attending Girls Staters Amrey Lowrey, Akira Lofton, Ava Martin, Jayleigh McCormick, and Chloe Wooten. Not in attendance were Meredith Robinson, Austin Teal, and Layla Garrett. Each student delivered a brief description of their best moments from the Girls State week.
Boys Staters followed. Those in attendance were Levi Rhodes, Noel Wiggins, Gavin Harris, Topher Wilson, Bertie Hicks, Hudson Smith, Landen Rhodes, Jacob Jefferson, and Eli Still. Not attending were I’Xamien Sullivan, Joshua Hasty, and Kameron Lewis.
Louisiana State Representative Wayne McMahen presented certificates to the five delegates who won State offices, including Hudson Smith of North Webster High School, who was elected Governor.
As a “finale,” the students performed their Boys and Girls State songs.
