Seniors get crash course in politics

When Zack Furr, a South Aiken High School senior, and James McCants, an Aiken High senior, arrived at Palmetto Boys State at the University of South Carolina last June, they were a little stunned by the sheer numbers - more than 900 rising seniors from all over the state.

"It got a lot better during the week," Furr said. "All of them were really great guys, and all of us shared an interest in democracy. I ran for four offices and was defeated every time, but it was a good learning experience."

The sponsoring American Legion Post No. 26 held its annual banquet Tuesday for 10 South Aiken, Aiken and Aiken Prep seniors who attended Boys State. Two Girls State participants, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, were also recognized: South Aiken seniors Jennifer Grant and Alyssa Kasraii.

The other Boys State representatives were Adam Bumpus, Blake Stout and Brendon Wilson, Aiken High; Douglas Baldwin, Mark Ferguson and James Gore, South Aiken; and Weston Peters and Matthew Winter, Aiken Prep.

"I want to congratulate these young men and women," said guest speaker Marshall Cain, a former state legislator and Boys State participant. "The American Legion offers them a great experience, teaching them about democracy, how our country runs, organizing a campaign, conducting an election and running a government - a lot of practical lessons."

Post commander Ralph Smith and longtime member Robert M. Cook also introduced another special guest, World War II veteran Leroy Harris.

He was with the 4th Infantry Division that landed at Normandy on D-Day and is the only division survivor remaining from that day. He was wounded twice in battle and earned a Bronze Star, Cook said. The Boys and Girls State representatives got a chance to speak with him after the banquet.

The Boys State program, McCants said, provides a great vehicle to learn about leadership. The students heard from speakers like Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer and U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett.

"I met a lot of great new people that I'll keep in touch with during our lifetime," McCants said.

On her first night of Girls State at Columbia College, Kasraii was elected mayor of her designated city.

"It was a week to remember," she said. "I lost my party's nomination for lieutenant governor, but I had gotten to know the new governor. She appointed me as the reading clerk of the Senate."

Grant developed a lot of people skills in a hurry in meeting some of the more than 500 girls in attendance.

"I'm taking a government class this year, but I've already seen hands-on how government works," she said. "We had realistic Senate and House sessions. It's intriguing, and maybe I'll get more involved politically."

At Boys State, Peters found that the students emerged into a brotherhood by the end of the week.

"I was able to learn more about how our state government works," he said. "It's really drilled into you in a way and not like a regular class. For anybody who gets nominated for this, I'd recommend they not pass it up."

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.