ANSBACH, Germany — For more than a decade, American Legion Post 1982 has sent high school students from Ansbach to Maryland to attend Boys and Girls State.
Founded in 1935, the prestigious summer leadership and civics program gives rising seniors hands-on experience in state and local government.
Throughout the weeklong program, participants immerse themselves in simulated mock government scenarios. Students form fictitious political parties, draft campaign platforms, hold elections, pass legislation, run court proceedings, and manage public services.
This year, three Ansbach Middle High School students participated from June 20 – 26, 2026. Jack Lovallo attended Boys State at McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland, while Sydney Mendoza and Brianna Bock attended Girls State at Salisbury University in Salisbury, Maryland.
The hands-on experience left a lasting impression on the attendees.
"Girls State expanded my knowledge about government branches and their structure," said Mendoza, who has applied to the United States Military Academy. "But what was most meaningful was getting to meet talented, lifelong friends. I’m very grateful to those who helped me attend, and I believe the skills I learned will help me not just in my future professional career, but in my personal life."
Bock, who is currently applying for an ROTC scholarship, agreed.
"Going to Girls State helped me find my voice and use it,” Bock said. “I gained more confidence and improved my public speaking skills."
For Lovallo, the experience was equally impactful.
"I learned all about the government and how it’s run," said Lovallo. "It was one of the most valuable experiences I’ve had in my life."
The program's track record of preparing future leaders is evident in last year's attendees, Kennedy Lange and Ethan Serna. Lange received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, and Serna earned a four-year Navy Nurse ROTC scholarship.
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