Wanting to learn more about how the government works on the local, state and national levels prompted several students from the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts to apply to serve as delegates at Boys State and Girls State.

Elizabeth Long, a rising senior from Natchitoches, hopes to learn more about what it takes to be a contributing citizen and how important it is to be active in government and her community.

“I wanted to attend Girls State because I am interested in taking a closer look on how government works and learning about all of the different steps it takes to make a government successful,” she said.

Others included Milan Arpino, a rising senior from Monroe, who has a strong interest in political science and law; Annie Noel of Mandeville ; Maya Bochas of Morgan City; and Parker Felterman of Patterson, who will attend Boys State.

Girls State participants are sponsored by local American Legion Auxiliary units. Boys State is sponsored by American Legion posts.

Boys State and Girls State will be held June 26 – July 2 on the campus of Northwestern State University.