Delegates to Boys State stand in formation of the state’s image on the University of Alabama campus. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Practices of city and state government became real-life experiences recently for six incoming seniors to Bob Jones High School.

Delegates from Madison to the 77th annual Alabama Boys State were Charles Boyd, Daniel Lang, Joe Paschall, Brian Tachias, Victor Widgren and Adam Woelke.

American Legion sponsors Alabama Boys State, which convened at the University of Alabama campus for one week in June. The Boys State leadership program trains incoming seniors who show promise as campus leaders.

Boyd and Woelke were elected by their peers to positions within the ‘state government.’

Lang was awarded the Aubrey Perry Scholarship for epitomizing “the spirit, compassion, values and living the example” for the organization, American Legion spokesperson Braxton Bridgers said.

In addition, Lang was elected to the House of Representatives, City Council and party platform committee. “Daniel participated in the City Interest Group where he developed a plan for the recruitment of an economic development project for his Boys State city,” Bridgers said.

“My favorite part of Boys State was forming the friendships with the other outstanding young men I met there,” Lang said. “Very quickly, we established a brotherly atmosphere.”

Lang said he learned the political system’s functions at the city, county and state levels. “Most importantly, though, I gained an understanding of what it means to be a leader. To lead, one must possess a vision, pursue it persistently and set an example for others to follow,” he said.

Lang remained on the UA campus except to perform community service work. Other delegates involved in certain interest groups took field trips.

Retired Judge Pete Johnson of Birmingham directs Boys State, along with assistant directors Judge Joel Laird of Anniston and Ted Copeland of Carrollton.

For more information, visit alboysstate.org.