District 27A Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea,  attended the Governor’s State of the State Address Thursday  at the University of Minnesota.

Legislators are able to bring one guest with them to the State of the State, and Bennett invited local student Alex Syverson to attend the address with her. Syverson is a senior at Albert Lea High School, and is actively involved in the area’s Youth in Government program.

“Alex is such a great example of the top-notch young people we have in our schools,” Bennett said.  “As a long-time teacher at Sibley Elementary School, I had the joy of watching Alex grow from a little kindergartener into the fine young man that he is now.

“It was a real pleasure to have him join me at this special event. Alex has made a concerted effort to be engaged in government and the political process.

“I believe it is so critical that citizens of all ages are engaged with the democratic process on some level; government works best when it takes input from citizens.  Young men and women like Alex are our future leaders, and I applaud his dedication.”