Seven Indian Lake High School students have been selected to attend the 2026 Buckeye Girls State and Buckeye Boys State programs, where they will gain firsthand experience in government, leadership, and citizenship while meeting students from across Ohio.
Buckeye Girls State will be held June 7-13 at Bowling Green State University.
Representing Indian Lake High School will be Allison Butler, daughter of Robin and Carol Reed of Lakeview; Grace Johnson, daughter of Tim and Donna Johnson of Botkins; and Hailey Prater, daughter of Mike Prater and Kim Schlup of Lakeview.
Buckeye Girls State is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary of Ohio and locally supported by the Huntsville Indian Lake Lions Club and the Charles Collins Ladies Auxiliary Post 381.
Buckeye Boys State will take place June 14-21 at Miami University.
Selected to represent Indian Lake High School are Carter Barnett, son of Scott and Morghan Barnett of Lakeview; Colin Bender, son of Joe Bender of Huntsville; Tommy Jones, son of James and Jayne Jones of Huntsville; and Max Solomon, son of Howard Solomon and Sheena Snapp Solomon of Bellefontaine.
Buckeye Boys State is sponsored statewide by the American Legion and locally supported by Belle Center American Legion Post 266.
Students chosen for the programs must be high school juniors with strong academic records, an interest in government and current events, and demonstrated leadership abilities.
Girls State candidates must also exhibit high moral character and a desire to learn.
The annual programs are designed to educate Ohio students about the duties, rights, privileges, and responsibilities of citizenship through hands-on participation in mock government and civic activities.
School officials say the experience often creates lifelong friendships while providing valuable leadership and public service opportunities for participants.
