Butler County students were active participants in the 73rd Annual American Legion Alabama Boys State program this year.

Hunter Armstrong, son of Chuck and Kay Armstrong, and a student at Fort Dale Academy, developed a plan for the recruitment of an economic development project for his state city.

Richard Ballard, son of Randy and Shelia Ballard, and a student at McKenzie High School, learned about opportunities in the medical and healthcare fields.

Ethan Hartley, son of Elbert and Venell Hartley, and a student at Georgiana High School, was elected to the House of Representatives, where he wrote and debated bills of importance for Alabama citizens.

Boys State allows young men from across Alabama the opportunity to learn how government functions at the city, county, and state level.