Pride in one’s state and a spirit of nationalism are two things that cannot be over-emphasized enough.

While at Boys State, we learned about the structure of Alabama’s government and the purpose of its political machinery.

We learned about the purpose and significance of every elected and appointed office.

We learned these responsibilities through the best method, being personally involved.

We were separated into different groups with people we did not know from all over the state, then we were separated into two different political parties, Nationalist and Federalist.

On Sunday, everyone had differing opinions about government, but through the course of the week we learned that differing opinions and disagreements are common in government.

More importantly we learned that in order for government to perform its duties as best as possible, compromise must be common as well.

At Boys State we all learned something about Alabama’s government, but more importantly we learned about the importance of citizenship and public service.

Speakers like Congressman Artur Davis, former Alabama quarterback Steadman Shealey and Boys State Director Judge O.L. “Pete” Johnson all spoke about responsibility in different aspects of life.

One responsibility that resonated with each delegate was the responsibly to one’s fellow man through some form of pubic service.

Alabama Boys State was truly an immensely impacting experience and one I will treasure for years to come. I learned so much about this great state and its people. I look forward to representing each and every one of us at Boys Nation in Washington, D.C.

Daylon Woodall is the son of Arnita Woodall and the grandson of James and Sarah Woodall, all of Vincent.

He is a senior at Vincent High School where he takes all honor clases. Daylon is also currently the youth minister of Christ in Me Church in Cropwell.

He will represent Alabama at the Boys Nation conference in Washington D.C. July 18-26. He is sponsored by sponsored by American Legion Post 43 General Walter E Bare in Birmingham.