Arkansas Boys and Girls State concludes with record attendance

LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — The 84th annual American Legion Arkansas Boys and Girls State concluded Friday, offering youth an opportunity to learn how government works.

Before the closing ceremonies, delegates toured the Capitol and learned directly from state leaders.

This year's Boys State, which began on Sunday at the University of Central Arkansas campus in Conway, involved students in a six-day program focused on building a mock state government. Established in 1940, the program aims to provide young Arkansans with a deeper understanding of elections and state government operations.

"Our hope, our desire is that these young men will leave this experience and go back to their hometowns and impact their hometowns in great ways. And we've seen that," said Lloyd Jackson, executive director of Arkansas Boys State.

More than 600 delegates from approximately 200 schools attended this year's session, marking the highest attendance in over eight years.