This summer Radford, Virginia Tech, Lynchburg University, and Christopher Newport are hosting annual summer programs for Boys and Girls State.

South Lakes has allowed students to participate in this program for 13 years. The summer program gives students the opportunity to gain exposure to a specific interest or career path. Options include arts, theater, math, tech, agriculture, and marine biology.

“I’m really excited for the experience to meet so many people, have a college dorm experience, and collaborate with people that have things in common with me,” sophomore Bridget Doebrich, who is going for the vocal program, said. “I have been singing for most of my life and had some training experience so I’m excited.”

The program gives students an experience living on campus. The program is for top students in the state, so it is highly competitive. Students must compete at the school, county, and state levels. The amount of students accepted is limited for each subject and could range from 8-200 students.

“I will be attending Girls State this summer in the math and science programs,”junior Allison Johnson said. “People last year had told me that it was a great experience, so I thought I’d try it.”