GBHS juniors selected for state leadership program

GBHS juniors Bill Campbell (left) and Colby Dalton (right) have opportunity to learn about workings of our government. Scott Page/Gulf Breeze News Members of Pensacola Beach American Legion Post 379 have selected two Gulf Breeze High School students to attend the 67th annual Florida American Legion Boys State session. Bill Campbell and Colby Dalton, both 16 and juniors at GBHS, will travel to the state capitol this summer as delegates.

The Florida’s American Legion Boys State program, which began in 1935, takes place July 11-17, at Florida State University in Tallahassee. It is a comprehensive hands-on experience that focuses on state and local government and politics designed to give high school juniors a working knowledge of the structure of government and to encourage and develop young leaders to take an active part in government.

Both Campbell and Dalton expect to benefit greatly from the experience.

“I hope it will help me expand my leadership skills, especially within ROTC,” Campbell explained. “I also believe it will help me with my confidence.”

“I’m in SGA, so I already take an active role in government,” Dalton said. “It should give me a new perspective on how our government works.”

The application and selection process is rigorous. Qualities of leadership, character and service to their school and community are considered. Each candidate also must have an above average scholastic standing of a 3.2 GPA or higher.

Both Campbell and Dalton are very active in the school and community.

Campbell plays alto sax in the band, and is a member of Mu Alpha Theta, AFJROTC, Kittyhawk Air Society, Science Olympiad and Latin Club.

Dalton is a member of the swim team, Forensics Team, SGA, Optimist Club and Key Club.

During the week-long program Campbell and Dalton will have an opportunity to learn the political process by taking part in a simulated government that includes a state legislature, county and city governments.

Each level of government is run by the delegates who are elected to specific positions.

The delegates also receive instruction on law and the court system, parliamentary procedure and Florida political history.

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