Hezzie Griffis Post 30 and Unit 30 Auxiliary in Edgefield, S.C., sponsored 10 students to attend American Legion Palmetto Boys State, American Legion Auxiliary Palmetto Girls State and the Nathan M. Wolfe Law Cadet Academy this year. Six of the 10 attended the post's September meeting to share how the programs strengthened their understanding of leadership, government, law enforcement and public service.
Boys State and Girls State give students firsthand experience in government through mock elections, holding public office and legislative activities. The Law Cadet Academy introduces students to the demands of law enforcement through leadership training, physical fitness, defensive driving, instruction in the legal system and other hands-on activities.
Cooper Davis said Boys State gave him a better understanding of government, elections and the roles of public officials while helping him build friendships he believes will last. He encouraged listening to people with different viewpoints, noting, "If you only reach the people who are just like you, it's not going to do anything for you."
Girls State participant Carter Massey said the program changed how she thinks about voting by encouraging her to look beyond a candidate's position on a single issue and instead consider the broader impact of public policy. Olivia O'Gorman and Olive Dixon described working together to move an agricultural education bill through both chambers of government, while Charlotte Bailey spoke about arriving without knowing anyone and discovering how local government can make a difference in a community.
Law Cadet Academy participant Calvary Williams, who was elected chief of cadets, described the demanding leadership responsibilities of the position. Her days began at 4 a.m. with physical training, and she said fellow cadets regularly sought her out for guidance and encouragement throughout the week.
This year's participants represented Fox Creek High School, Strom Thurmond High School, Wardlaw Academy and Palmetto Independent Educators. Jeffrey Craven, Avon Webb, Allysa Carpenter and David Peachey were unable to attend the September meeting. Their participation, along with that of the six students who spoke, was made possible through the support of local individuals, businesses, civic organizations, schools and American Legion posts working together to invest in young leaders.
