The American Legion Post 507 hosted its annual American Legion California Boys and Girls State reunion for the 2025 season at the American Legion in Newhall on Sunday afternoon.
The experience is a weeklong, hands-on political science camp for high school juniors to learn about all levels of state government and civics.
During the reunion, each student who attended the camp got up on stage and spoke about their experience.
“My experience (would) be described as life-changing because I was able to make so many friendships and connections that are going to be lifelong. I was able to learn additional skills and leadership and help of speaking and educating me so much on the different facets of government to make educated decisions now and later on in life,” said Alaina Ramey, a junior at Canyon High School.
Shibani Bansal, a junior at West Ranch High School, said witnessing others who were passionate about what mattered to them in terms of issues meant a lot to her to see firsthand.
Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, D-Chatsworth, gave a speech to the students that included celebrating their accomplishments.
“And I am, you know, really excited to celebrate the incredible leadership of the students who are a part of this program. This is, you know, the ideas and the energy of all of you participating in the American Legion Boys and Girls State Program really is inspiring,” Schiavo said to the students. “And what you do here truly, truly does matter. Programs like Boys and Girls State really break down barriers, they open doors. It gives young people the tools to shape policy and serve your communities and create real change.”
Kris Chase, Post 507 Boys and Girls State chairperson, gave the students insight on what the program does to help them in the future.
“Boys and Girls State is not just a blip in your history. But it is something that truly informs your future. It is something that will create, you know, whether it’s going into public service or work for the community or elsewhere, thinking about how policy is made, how policy impacts people’s lives,” Chase said.
She added that having these experiences in today’s world can be beneficial because people can feel disconnected from politics.
Santa Clarita Councilwoman Marsha McLean also shared some wisdom to the students.
“There is a lot of misconceptions about how government works. And I want to thank all of you, from taking the steps necessary to put yourself through grueling time in order to learn how government works. Because what we need to do is we all need to understand that we need, even though we have differences of opinion, we need to work together in a peaceful and deliberative way,” McLean said.
Delegates from six of the high schools in the William S. Hart Union High School District were as follows:
• West Ranch High School: Shibani Bansal.
• Canyon High School: Alaina Ramey.
¶ Hart High School: Monica Rivera and Isabella Amparo.
• Saugus High School: Cardan Watson.
• Golden Valley High School: Gracia Ramos.
• Valencia High School: Josh Kim.