Greenville High School’s Winston Sims recently participated in the 78th American Legion Alabama Boys State.

Students from across the state are chosen to take part in the program based on their demonstration of leadership, work ethic, strong morals and involvement in school and community activities.

The program is designed to supplement the information taught in high school civic classes.

Boys State teaches that the United States’ form of government is good but that its preservation depends on intelligent, informed and loyal citizens in combination with an honest and impartial administration of government activities.

At Boys State, student delegates participated in a mock government, and heard from and met a diverse array of Alabama leaders such as congressmen, state elected officials, business leaders, civic leaders and others.

Delegates also had the opportunity to join interest groups that focused on their individual areas of interest such as law school, fire college, law enforcement academy, aerospace academy, lobbyists, city government, county government, constitutional convention, engineer/computer academy and environmental interest group.

Alabama Boys State is sponsored by the American Legion and is directed by retired judge Pete Johnson of Birmingham.