Two Lehighton teens are having the experience of a lifetime this week while attending Keystone Girls State, a program of American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Pennsylvania. The event is taking place at Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, and is the 66th session sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary.

Stacey Kerschner, daughter of Gary Kerschner and Carol Surmaitis; and Kara Serfass, daughter of Karen Evans and the late Thomas K. Serfass are attending the session.Kershner's and Serfass' expenses are sponsored by the Lehighton Legion Auxiliary Unit 314.Kershner is a varsity cheerleader, member of the Big Sisters Club; Debate Team, where she served as co-captain in 2009 and 2010; Future Business Leaders of America, where she served as reporter for 2010-2011; and will be the president in the coming school year.She is a member of the National Honor Society, where she serves as secretary; and is in the top 10 percent of her class. She is also involved in Students Against Destructive Decisions. She is member of Ss. Peter and Paul Church.Serfass is also involved in Future Business Leaders of America, Future Career and Community Leaders of America and Students Against Destructive Decisions. She is a Safe School Ambassador and member of the Red Cross Club.A member of the National Honor Society, she is in the top 10 percent of her class. She was involved with the Pennsylvania Envirothon in 2011. She is vice president of the class of 2012. She plays field hockey and was named a Student Athlete.She also is involved in leadership training. She is a member of St. Matthew's Church.Also attending is Ashley Otto, whose stay is being sponsored by the Walnutport Legion Auxiliary Unit 899.During the week, the girls will elect city, county and state officials, including governor, lieutenant governor, other officers and outstanding citizen. Two senators will attend Girls Nation in the Washington D.C. area during the week of July 23-30.LaRue Fritz is Girls State chairman for Lehighton Legion Auxiliary Unit 314.