By Paul Chason, Post 90 Adjutant
Billy Glenn Rushing Post 90 of the American Legion hosted a Boys and Girls State recognition banquet for this year’s attendees at David’s Catfish House in Atmore.
The Gala was held on August 26 with members of Escambia Academy (EA), Escambia County High School (ECHS), Flomaton High School (FHS), T.R. Miller (TRM) and W.S. Neal High (WSN) invited to attend.
Post Commander Dave Graham welcomed everyone to the banquet and thanked them for supporting this very meaningful educational program. He invited them to enjoy the evening meal and reminded the young men and women that each would have an opportunity to speak later in the evening.
Following the meal Vice Commander Billy Elder invited each attendee to come share what they had learned during their applicable programs.
He also presented each with a Certificate of Appreciation from Post 90, thanking them for supporting the American Legion programs and our Post.
Participants in the 2025 Girls State program were: Brilee Handy (EA), Trinity Gray (ECHS), Caroline Dove (FHS), Kathryn Rambach (TRM) and Addison Aaron (WSN).
In attendance for the banquet were Caroline Dove, Kathryn Ramback and Addison Aaron. Caroline Dove stated, “the Girls State Program was one of my best experiences ever. I learned so
much and everything was a wonderful experience, and I left the program with lots of new friends.
“I would recommend the program for everyone.”
Kathryn Rambach: “It was such an amazing experience, with lots of new things. It was outside of my comfort zone. I did write a bill that passed and became a law for my city.”
Addison Aaron said, my mother also attended Girl’s State and helped with encouragement to talk in unfamiliar surroundings. I feel so much more comfortable speaking in front of others now.”
Boys State nominees were Luke McBride and Ronta Watson, Jr. (EA), Tevin McClain and Amaree Mosley (ECHS) and Luke Fore, Coltin Rollin and Philip Bell (FHS).
Luke Fore: “This was an experience like no other. I made lots of new friends and learned a lot about how the government is supposed to work. I even got to play in my first ever soccer game.”
“I got to go on a great Agriscience field trip for forestry science,” said Coltin Rollin. “This may wind up being my future career.”
Philip Bell: “The debates, the elections, and new friendships were all very memorable experiences. I met lots of new and interesting people and developed many new friendships.”
These were the only programs participants that attended this year’s recognition celebration.
Members of Post 90 were honored and humbled to be able to provide such a great experience to several young adults in our community,” Chason said in a press release. “We hope to be able to continue sponsoring local students in the future and sincerely hope that all future participants will come and share their experiences
about the programs to help inspire others to seek attendance.”
He also expressed thanks to the individuals and businesses that support Boys State and Girls State.
“Billy Glenn Rushing Post 90 would be remiss if we did not offer our most sincere thanks to local community leaders and businesses for supporting this very worthwhile annual event, held at the
University of Alabama this year,” said Chason. “Thanks to David’s Catfish for preparing a special menu for our event and the professional, courteous service provided by the staff.
“We are also very appreciative of our donors for this year: Bub Gideons, Mike Hanks, Audrey Moon of State Farm Insurance,
Escambia Lawn and Rental, Pepsi Cola Bottling of Atmore, Mattress Depot and United Bank.”
Photos (Scenes from banquet) courtesy Post 90 — Apologies for duplicates
