These five young men have been accepted to Boys State, June 9-14, at the University of Texas Austin. Every year, the Glen Rose American Legion holds a contest and send two of our best to compete at State level. This year, we had the most participation from some of the brightest boys in the county. Our local American Legion post had to scramble to get the funds raised and allotted slots raised to send them forward! WELL DESERVED! We wish you all the best of luck!
What is Boys State?
American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students. It is a participatory program where each student becomes a part of the operation of his local, county, and state government.
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.
The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a similar program for young women called Girls State.
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, andstate governments operated by the students elected to the various offices.
