Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Kenston Forest School (KFS) senior, Julia Baugh, was chosen to attend the 73rd Session of Virginia Girls State, a program of the American Legion Auxiliary. It was held June 16-22 at Longwood University.

Students must have completed their junior year of high school and have at least one semester of high school remaining to be eligible to participate. Candidates for Virginia Girls State are chosen through an interview process conducted by the local American Legion Auxiliary Unit. Candidates are evaluated based on their leadership abilities, interest in government, service to others and academics. Julia is the daughter of Johnny and Robin Baugh of Kenbridge.

KFS senior, Nicholas Maione, was chosen to attend Virginia Boys State held June 16-22. Boys State is a non-partisan program hosted by The American Legion at Radford University. Participants cultivate leadership skills and develop pride in American citizenship.

American Legion Boys State is among the most respected educational programs of government instruction for high school students. Each participant becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government.

At American Legion Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights and privileges, the duties and the responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical with city, county and state governments operated by the students elected to the various offices. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs. Nicholas is the son of Joe and Kelly Maione of McKenney.

Each September, the National Association of Secondary School Principals sends nomination materials to all public and private high schools in the United States. Each school in Virginia is given the opportunity to select an outstanding sophomore based on his or her leadership potential. That sophomore represents his or her high school at the Virginia HOBY (Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar) the following spring.

Camille Bacon, KFS junior, was chosen to attend the HOBY Seminar this year. The students participate in activities centered around the core values of HOBY – Volunteerism, Integrity, Excellence, Diversity and Community Partnership. Camille is the daughter of Frank and Dana Bacon of Kenbridge.