Four local students that attended American Legion Boys and Girls State had a chance Thursday to share their experiences with the men and women who paid for them to attend.

American Legion Boys and Girls State took place in June at the University of Alabama and taught rising high school seniors how government works. Participants were given an opportunity to run for political office and to see how an election works.

“It gave me a lot of hope and pride in the kids and boys of Alabama,” said Cameron Bohannon, a student from Morgan Academy. “We stayed true to our beliefs, we passed a Constitution much shorter than Alabama’s and stayed true to what I think are our American ideals.”

Bohannon, the son of Sean and Dana Bohannon, ran for activities director and won, meaning he got to choose teams and what sports the boys took part in for the week. He wasn’t the only local student that ran for a political office.

Annie Talton, another Morgan Academy student, tried to win the Nationalist’s party’s nomination for governor. Although she didn’t win the primary, she went on to selected to the governor’s cabinet.

“It was a huge honor because only 20 people out of the 200 people who participated in Alabama Girls State were selected for that,” Talton said.

Talton is the daughter of Ruth Talton and Julius Talton.

Carrie Lewis, a homeschooled student that lives within Dallas County, said she had to pray hard before choosing to attend because she had to give up church camp to go. At Girls State, she was elected chairman of devotions, giving her a chance to share her faith. Lewis is the daughter of Jamey and Faith Lewis.

“People take politicians and a lot of the functions of politics for granted,” Lewis said. “They are quick to assume and to place judgment instead of trying to understand what position people are in. One of my favorite things about Girls State was not only was it about politics but it was God-centered to where it involved the two, whereas now today you see where they try to separate it as much as possible.”

Garrett Grantham represented Meadowview Christian School at Boys State. Grantham said he spent the majority of his time focused on engineering.

“Boys state created a bond between men and future leaders of our state and our nation,” Grantham said. “I’m very proud I was able to be a part of that.”

Grantham is the son of Shelby Grantham. Both Grantham and Bohannon were blown away by Alabama head football coach Nick Saban, who spoke at Boys State.

“That showed me that no matter who you are or what you can do, you can always be a leader,” Bohannon said.

Dallas County High School’s Taylor Moore had a volleyball game on Thursday, so she wasn’t able to attend Thursday’s American Legion meeting.

When reached Friday, she said Girls State was a learning experience and helped her make new friends.

Moore is the daughter of Willie and Linda Moore.

“The thing I learned the most is you can develop a good lifelong friendship within a week,” Moore said.

Greg Wall, a former student of Morgan Academy, also attended Boys State, but the family has since moved to Kentucky. Wall’s parents are Greg and Myrna Wall.

To be eligible for Boys and Girls State 2017 students must be going to the 12th grade next year.

For more information on Boys and Girls State, contact Post Commander Charlie Friday or Adjutant John Coon at (334) 327-8724.