BOYS STATE
American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for local area high school students. It is a participatory program where each participant becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government.
At American Legion Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights and privileges, the duties and the responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical with city, county and state governments operated by the students elected to the various offices. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs.
High school juniors are selected by local American Legion Posts to attend the program. Expenses associated with attending this program are paid by sponsoring American Legion Post 71, and through the generosity of many area civic and service organizations - as well as individuals - who donate scholarships. This community synergy has allowed an average of over 20 young men to partake of this program from the local community.
At American Legion Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights and privileges, the duties and the responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical with city, county and state governments operated by the students elected to the various offices. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs.
High school juniors are selected by local American Legion Posts to attend the program. Expenses associated with attending this program are paid by sponsoring American Legion Post 71, and through the generosity of many area civic and service organizations - as well as individuals - who donate scholarships. This community synergy has allowed an average of over 20 young men to partake of this program from the local community.
The young men get a chance to live responsibly, and productively, as members of society. They have the oppuntunity to meet, and make life-long friends, with their peers from high schools throughout the State of Texas.
Boys State delegates are selected from male youth who have completed their Junior year in high school, and have at least one more semester of the Senior year. The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a similar program for young ladies called Girls State.
Any young man who is interested in attending the 2011 Boys State -- or in obtaining information -- can contact the Principal of their High School, and/or their Civics or Government teacher. Information is also available by calling Post 71 at 940-382-7315.
Boys State has been a program of The American Legion since 1935 when it organized to counter the Fascist inspired Young Pioneer Camps. The program was the idea of two Illinois Legionnaires, Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card, who organized the first Boys State at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.
For online details visit www.legion.org
For online details visit www.legion.org
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