High schoolers representing state in D.C.

Students from across the nation, including four Oklahoma teens, will gather in Washington, D.C., today to learn about the political process and build leadership skills.

The Oklahoma high school students are among those participating in the activities of American Legion Boys Nation 2008 and American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation 2008. The annual leadership conference begins today and will run through July 26.

Oklahoma's Girls Nation senators are Taylor Marlow, 17, of Norman and Morgan Whinery, 17, of Sayre. The Boys Nation senators are Kiernan Beresford, 18, of Norman and Beaux Fulton, 17, of Coweta. The students were selected to represent Oklahoma at state conferences held earlier this year.

During the weeklong event, students set up a mock government and submit, debate and vote on bills they've written.

Whinery said the hands-on format of the conference is what makes the event so beneficial to students. Whinery, a Sayre High School senior, is the daughter of Kent Whinery and Sandy Whinery. She is a member of her school's basketball team and is active in vocal music, drama and Teens Promoting Abstinence.

The Boys Nation and Girls Nation senators will meet with some of the nation's top political leaders and tour the White House and Pentagon.

Preparing for the conference has piqued her interest in the political process and pursuing a political career, Whinery said.

"It's going to be cool to hear everyone's ideas,” she said. "This is a wonderful opportunity for me to learn about others, myself, and the national government.”

Marlow and Beresford are both seniors at Norman North High School.

Marlow, who is the daughter of Chris and Gail Marlow, plays cello in her school's orchestra, is involved in competitive acting and is a Girl Scout. Beresford, a member of his school's track and cross country teams, is the son of Kerry and Elise Beresford and Maureen Gallagher.

"I'm ready to meet the other students and get their take on the country's current political situation,” Beresford said. "It should be interesting.”