U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., addressed American Legion Mountaineer Boys State participants during their lunch on Monday.

About 200 boys from across West Virginia are spending their week at WVU Jackson’s Mill, where ALMBS has been held since its inception in 1935.

Capito said she was happy for participants to be back for Boys State after the program was canceled two years in a row due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“What a rough go you’ve had,” she told those in attendance, adding she understands the impact the pandemic has had on not only their academics, but their social lives, as well.

“But we’re here together to learn and thrive,” Capito said.

Diversity in Congress was another topic she touched upon, saying that the diversity represented in the United States needs to be reflected in the House and Senate.

She also discussed her positive working relationship with Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and their drive to improve the lives of all West Virginians.

Capito also talked about broadband issues in the state, saying she hopes that when she visits Boys State again, there will not be as many hands raised about the lack of reliable internet service.

Internships for both senators are available, and Capito urged participants to take advantage of those opportunities.

“They’re very educational and a lot of fun,” she said.

Mountaineer Boys State counselor Kyle Garrett works on Capito’s staff, and she praised Garrett for his efforts to help veterans in the state. Garrett interned for Capito prior to being hired to work on her staff.

Boys State participants arrived at WVU Jackson’s Mill on Sunday. Following assemblies, they applied for “jobs” in various fields, including law enforcement and journalism. Others chose the political route, with Damian Cooke being elected governor of Mountaineer Boys State.

A Tomb of the Unknown Soldier ceremony also will be conducted this week as part of ALMBS. Other speakers for ALMBS include Auditor J.B. McCuskey, Secretary of State Mac Warner, and Attorney General Patrick Morrisey.

Speakers are slated to address participants each day of the week long program.

The American Legion-sponsored event will wrap up Saturday.