Thirty-three students from Lexington-Richland School District Five recently took part in an elite leadership and citizenship experience through the American Legion’s Palmetto Boys State and Palmetto Girls State programs.
Held June 8–14, Palmetto Girls State took place at Presbyterian College, and Palmetto Boys State was hosted by Anderson University. Both week-long programs bring together top high school juniors from across the state to learn about local and state government, leadership, and civic responsibility through immersive, hands-on experiences.
Participants simulate real-life government processes—including elections, campaigns, and legislative sessions—while hearing from state leaders and engaging in workshops focused on leadership, teamwork, and service.
Palmetto Girls State Delegates from District Five:
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Chapin High: Elanore Brownfield, Emma Easterline, Sarah Hogan, Jennifer Kujawa
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Dutch Fork High: McRae Delbridge, Julie Drinkwalter, Haylee Flowers, Anna Murphy, Caroline Wahrmund
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Irmo High: Joya Evans, Reyben Jennings, Logan Rice
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Spring Hill High: Grace Tharp, Anna Yeh
Palmetto Boys State Delegates from District Five:
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Chapin High: Logan Barilla, David Brown, William Farmer, Calvert Franklin, Wilkes Higginbotham, Maxwell Stebbins, John Warnock
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Dutch Fork High: Adriel Brown, Evan DeMasi, Christopher Mobley, Issac Shine
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Irmo High: Tucker Williams
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Spring Hill High: Logan DiLorenzo, Jacob DiMaria, Chaz Riley, Kenneth Scarborough, Darby Taylor, Jackson Taylor, Caleb Warren
These high-achieving students were selected for their outstanding leadership potential, community involvement, and academic performance. Participation in the program is considered a prestigious honor and an important step in developing the next generation of civic leaders.
Palmetto Girls State has been organized by the South Carolina Department of the American Legion Auxiliary since 1947, while Palmetto Boys State dates back to 1940, both with a mission to build informed, responsible future leaders for our state and nation.
