Four young Butler Countians represented their schools and communities at the 72nd Annual Alabama Boys State at the University of Montevallo, May 31 through June 6, 2009.

David Burkett and Anthony Folds, both of Fort Dale Academy, Cody House of Georgiana High School and Dustin Shell of McKenzie High School all attended the leadership program.

Sponsored by the American Legion, Boys State provides delegates with working knowledge of how government functions on the city, county and state levels.

Burkett was elected to the Senate, as was Folds and House. The three wrote and debated bills of importance to all Alabama citizens.

Shell learned about business and economic development strategies for the future of Alabama.

Burkett is the son of Diane and Terry Burkett; Folds is the son of Andy Folds and Stephanie Folds; House is the son of Evonnie Sanders, and Shell is the son of Lloyd and Lauren Shell.

Acceptance into Boys State, which is open to young men who have completed their junior year of high school, is a privilege and granted by invitation only. Delegates are selected by their school faculty and community leaders.