Written by Marilyn Miller
The Wiley-Pevy Post of the American Legion gathered to honor and recognize the young men and women who represented their individual schools in Webster Parish as members of Boys State 2026 and Girls State 2026 on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at the American Legion Hall.
Each young person talked about their experiences during the weeklong leadership development program on the campus of Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond this past summer.
Attending and talking on behalf of Boys State were (from left) Caden Doyle, Lakeside High School; Franklin Bridwell, Glenbrook School (who was elected Governor); and Brody Walker, Glenbrook School. Webster schools were also represented by Jackson Branch, Lakeside; Nicholas Cartmill, Minden; Aiden Cheatham, Minden; Jeremy Clark, Doyline; Sutton Kramer, Minden; William Sanders, Minden; Dylan Simpson, Minden; and Bryson Wells, Lakeside.
Attending and talking on behalf of Girls State were (from left) Tatum Miller, Reese Miller, Nola Lange, Emma Woods, Mollie Thurman, and Lela Margaret Miller. Webster Parish schools were also represented by Aaliyah Garrett, Minden; Alexis Glover, Minden; Amelia Lott, Glenbrook; Adleigh Moore, Lakeside; Anna Morales, Glenbrook; Katie O’Glee, Glenbrook; and Kynzie Smith, Glenbrook.
“Sponsored by the Louisiana Dept. of the American Legion and the Louisiana Dept. of the American Legion Auxiliary, these programs are dedicated to providing a hands-on learning environment in which the participants (Citizens) not only learn the ins and outs of the Louisiana political system, but also learn how to transform themselves into effective leaders in their schools, communities, state and country,” explained Janet LaBruyere, who sponsors Webster and six other parishes in northwest Louisiana. “Through Louisiana Boys State and Louisiana Girls State, the American Legion and Auxiliary hope to provide a guide for delegates to become patriotic citizens and knowledgeable stewards of freedom and democracy.”
All 50 States have Boys and Girls State programs. Louisiana is considered one of the best, if not the best, program.
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