The Bergen American Legion and Ladies Auxiliary recently announced the Byron-Bergen school representatives who will be attending Empire Girls State and Boys State this summer. Annaliese Hersom, daughter of Walter and Cheryl Hersom, will be representing Byron-Bergen at Empire Girls State at The College of Brockport. Representing Byron-Bergen at Empire Boys State, held at SUNY Morrisville, will be Hunter Leach, son of John Leach and Kari Stone; Adam Drake, son of Gary and Amy Drake; and Jared Fregoe, son of Lee and Lisa Fregoe.

Representatives to Girls and Boys State are selected from the current junior class by members of the Legion and Auxiliary based on various criteria, including academic achievement, leadership, character, and other personal qualities. During the last week of June and early July, hundreds of young women and men from across New York State will participate in a practical government course. The program is designed to develop in the young citizens a working knowledge of the structure of government and to impress upon them the fact that their government is just what they make it. They will create bills, participate in campaigns, rallies, speeches, and develop a platform. They will also participate on various legislative committees. Information on this educational program can be found at www.boysandgirlsstate.org.

The Byron-Bergen Central School District is very grateful to the American Legion and Ladies Auxiliary for sponsoring and funding such a great opportunity for our students every year.