From left are Gabrielle Whipple, Ben Krajewski, Sam Latimore and Tyler Smith.

Gowanda High School’s Gabrielle Whipple has been named the American Legion Auxiliary Empire Girls’ State 2022 delegate while Ben Krajewski, Sam Latimore and Tyler Smith have been selected as 2022 American Legion Boys’ State delegates this summer.

The Gowanda American Legion Auxiliary Unit 409 is the sponsor for this year’s Girls State citizen. Only 360 students are chosen from high schools across New York. To be eligible, each student must have outstanding qualities of leadership, character, honesty, scholarship, cooperation and maturity. They must be interested in the program and willing to participate in all phases of the program, including flag ceremonies.

Gabby will travel to The College at Brockport to participate from July 3-9, 2022.

The Girls State citizens will build the government of a mythical 51st state, from the local level up to the state level.

Girls will participate in campaigns, rallies, speeches, platforms, various legislative committees, and create bills. They will arrive as strangers and leave as friends, confident of their role and duties as citizens in a democratic society.

Boys State Delegates are sponsored by the American Legion Gowanda Post 409. The 2022 American Legion Boys State program will be held at SUNY Morrisville State College from June 26-July 1. There, the three will participate in a program that immerses high school youth (currently completing their junior year) in citizenship and leadership training.

They too will learn the practical aspects of government as it exists in New York State, and come to recognize that the individual is integral to the character and success of government.

They also participate in physical fitness, teamwork, and other activities, under the guidance of American Legion counselors and U.S. Marines.