Photo by Bethany A. Romanek John Nanny, chairman of the Boys State committee, congratulates Vincent Tennant of Wheeling for being selected as first alternate to attend Boys Nation this August in Washington, D.C. Tennant is the son of Don and Kate Tennant of Wheeling.

Linsly School senior Vincent Tennant recently participated at the American Legion West Virginia Boys State at Jackson’s Mill. Out of 342 boys participating, he was selected as the first alternate for the American Legion Boys Nation to be held this August in Washington, D.C. Boys State and Girls State are summer leadership and citizenship programs sponsored by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary for high school students between their junior and senior years. During each session of Boys State, participants elect mock municipal officials and representatives to the mock state Legislature. Tennant was elected as a Kanawha County commissioner during the mock session. He also served as a federalist during the program. After taking part in the program, Tennant said Boys State gave him a real sense of how state, county and city governments work. “You need to have a positive attitude about how government and elections work,” Tennant said. “My favorite part was interacting with the other citizens and counselors. That’s what makes the experience — the people you are surrounded with.” After being nominated by his counselors at Linsly, Tennant was interviewed by John Nanny, chairman of the local Boys State committee, and selected to attend Boys State. “This year I sent more kids from Ohio County than we have ever sent,” Nanny said. “But it’s been a long time since we had someone in Tennant’s position. I’m really impressed.