3 Local Kids Chosen For Albany Program

They're leaders in their schools. They're volunteers, tutors, student senators and artists.

And after they spend four hands-on days in Albany next month, they'll know more about state politics than most adults.

Three local students have been chosen to attend this year's "Students Inside Albany" program thanks to the League of Women Voters – Rye, Rye Brook & Port Chester.

Lara Cohen, a junior at Blind Brook High School, has been active in her school's student government and the Model United Nations. She's also a tutor, a camp counselor and the founder of a group that raises awareness of dating abuse.

Luke Murphy and Annabel Gutterman both attend Rye Neck High School. Murphy counts the Science Olympiad, student senate and school golf team as highlights of his young resume, while Gutterman volunteers for the Mamaroneck Arts Council, plays field hockey, and counts writing and photography among her hobbies.

The three local students will join some 40 peers for the program from March 25 to 28. At the state's capital, they'll shadow their state representatives, sit in on legislative sessions, and attend lectures on the state budget process, the importance of lobbying in state politics, the role of the media, and the importance of publicly available information.

Students were selected by the League of Women Voters of Rye, Rye Brook & Port Chester. To learn more about the local chapter, visit www.lwvrrbpc.com or Facebook.com/LWVRRBPC.