Secretary of State and acting governor Mary Herrera addresses Boys State delegates at a banquet Wednesday at Eastern New Mexico University.

Aarti K. Attreya, Girls State governor for 2008 addresses the delegates at the 2008 Boys State Wednesday at ENMU.

Girls State governor for 2008, Aarti K. Attreya sits next to Secretary of State Mary Herrera Wednesday at a banquet for the 2008 Boys State at Eastern New Mexico University.

PORTALES — New Mexico’s acting governor for the day urged a group of high school students at Eastern New Mexico University to actively participate in government.

Secretary of State Mary Herrera, who was acting governor in the absence of the governor and lieutenant governor, encouraged and thanked the attending members of the week-long 61st annual Boys State at ENMU.

“It is an honor to be here in the presence of such an intelligent group of young men,” Herrera said. “I am extremely proud of your focus on learning and operating the levels of government that exist in your state.”

Herrera explained the importance of each level of the state government, the importance of a good education, and how critical voting can be.

“Only 28 percent of the state turned out for this past election and that is sad,” Herrera said. “It is vital that you exercise the right to vote when you are able to use that privilege.”

Herrera also urged them to do more than simply vote.

“We need good, honest people of integrity in government,” Herrera said. “You young men serve as great role models for those that will follow you.”

About 120 members from all over the state are attending Boys State this week with the goal of learning how the levels of government work and implementing those processes, said Boys State Executive Director Ralph Kemp.

“These young men take time out of their own summer to be here,” Kemp said. “They learn about their government and how it works and actually have to run for office, form councils and create laws.”

Kemp said what the youth learn will greatly influence them and give them a glimpse at how our government is actually run.

“This gathering has helped me to understand democracy,” said Aaron Kunz of Albuquerque

The 2008 Girls State Governor, Aarti K. Attreya of Clovis, also addressed the members of the Boys State relating to them about the privilege they share being a part of the Boys and Girls State.

“The future is in our hands,” Attreya said. “With the training and experience we gain as part of Girls and Boys State, I know that will not be a problem.”