Ernest Righetti High School junior Brody Ries has been selected as the 2026 American Legion Boys & Girls State California delegate and will participate in summer leadership and citizenship programs that focus on exploring the mechanics of American government and politics.

Ries will join the session of The American Legion California Boys & Girls State Program 2026, June 20-27 at California State University, Sacramento.

Ries is sponsored by American Legion Orcutt Post 534.

Shaun Denney, also a student at Righetti High, is the Boys & Girls State alternate.

“I am so appreciative to be able to go and enjoy Boy’s and Girl’s State,’’ Ries said.

“I am excited to learn and try new things and make new friends,” he said.

“I’m grateful and excited for the possible opportunity to be selected as an alternate for the American Legion Boys and Girls State,’’ Denney said.

“I hope this experience will further my learning about leadership and how the government works and operates, giving me the chance to bring back the skills to my school and community,’’ he said.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to build meaningful leadership skills and network with exceptional peers from throughout the state of California,” said school counselor Eric Blanco.