Kallen Vann, left, Laura Leavell, Jennifer Herron and Sheridan Gill will head to Girls’ State in June. On hand are, back row from left, Jim Anderson, vice commander of American Legion Post 277; Mary McCrea, president of Post 277 Auxiliary; Ronnie Davis, representing First Texas Bank; James Briggs, Briggs Oak Wilt Service; Diana Jackson, JJJ Group LLP; LHS Principal Mark Kehoe; and LISD Superintendent Randall Hoyer. PHOTO BY LISA CARNLEY Four Lampasas High School juniors have been chosen to attend the 2010 American Legion Auxiliary Bluebonnet Girls’ State June 13-19 at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin.

Those selected are Sheridan Gill, daughter of Joe and Kay Gill; Jennifer Herron, daughter of John and Patricia Herron; Laura Leavell, daughter of Dr. Neal and Cherie Leavell; and Kallen Vann, daughter of Robby and Leigh Vann.

Sponsors are American Legion Post 277 and its Ladies Auxiliary, First Texas Bank, JJJ Group LLP and Briggs Oak Wilt Service.

Purpose of American Legion Bluebonnet Girls’ State is to educate young women in the duties, rights and responsibilities of American citizenship.

Dorothy Briggs, local Girls’ State chairman, said the group tries to awaken within youth the conviction that a well-informed, intelligent, participating citizenry is vital to protect and preserve American institutions and democracy.

Girls’ State is a mythical 51st state where, for a period, the citizens organize their own city, county and state governments. They choose their officials in accordance with regular election procedures.

Girls learn the duties of the various city, county and state offices. They introduce and debate their own bills in a mock legislature, and justice is administered by their own law enforcement agencies and courts.

Said Mrs. Briggs: “In Girls’ State, the young citizens learn by doing.”