Shaping tomorrow’s leaders: Ansbach high schoolers attend Boys and Girls State

ANSBACH, Germany — For more than a decade, American Legion Post 1982 has sent high school students from Ansbach to Maryland to attend Boys and Girls Sta… ANSBACH, Germany — For more than a decade, American Legion Post 1982 has sent high school students from Ansbach to Maryland to attend Boys and Girls State. Founded in 1935, the prestigious summer leadership and civics program gives rising seniors hands-on experience in state and local government. Throughout the weeklong program, participants immerse themselves in simulated mock government scenarios. Students form fictitious political parties, draft campaign platforms, hold elections, pass legislation, run court proceedings, and manage public services. This year, three Ansbach Middle High School students participated from June 20 – 26, 2026.

Jack Lovallo attended Boys State at McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland, while Sydney Mendoza and Brianna Bock attended Girls State at Salisbury University in Salisbury, Maryland. The hands-on experience left a lasting impression on the attendees. "Girls State expanded my knowledge about government branches and their structure," said Mendoza, who has applied to the United States Military Academy. "But what was most meaningful was getting to meet talented, lifelong friends. I’m very grateful to those who helped me attend, and I believe the skills I learned will help me not just in my future professional career, but in my personal