SALINEVILLE — Southern Local High School is sending students to Buckeye Boys State and Buckeye Girls State for the first time in several years, with three delegates attending events at Ohio universities this summer.

Juniors Connor Dickey, Lola Perfetto and Alyssa Deeley were recognized during the regular school board meeting on March 11. Dickey will attend Buckeye Boys State on June 8-15 at Miami University while Perfetto and Deeley will participate in Buckeye Girls State on June 8-14 at Bowling Green University. The events are sponsored by the American Legion and Ladies Auxiliary, respectively, and the local students will be sponsored by the John Adams Post 442 in Salineville. Additionally, Ladies Auxiliary President Kay Bettis was on hand for the meeting.

School board member Frank Shagnot said the sessions helped students learn more about American government in a hands-on environment.

“[School counselor] Alannah Smith has tried to get the word out for the last few years and we have two girls and one boy attending,” Shagnot said. “They will run for elections and get into positions of mock government and they will spend the week learning about the branches of government. Presidents, scientists and astronauts have gone to Buckeye Boys and Girls State.”

Buckeye Boys and Girls State provide youth with an education on the duties, rights, privileges and responsibilities of being good citizens by exposing them to fundamental democratic principles in local, county and state government, which in turn helps prepare them to become good leaders.

School board member Kip Dowling and Cunningham said they both attended in the past and it was a wonderful opportunity for the youth.

“It was an awesome experience,” Dowling told the young delegates. “It’s a learning experience, so take advantage when you go there.”

“I was fortunate enough to go to Boys State,” added Cunningham. “It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.”