The 2008 American Legion Boys State program logged another successful year. Over 400 high school junior boys from around Minnesota gathered June 15-21 at Southwest State University in Marshall for this preeminent youth in government event. Boys State is among the most respected and prestigious educational programs of government instruction for high school students in the nation. It is a challenging and practical learning experience in democratic governance. Dynamic instructors with real-world experience guide students as a voting citizen toward organizing and operating city, county and state governments. This year marks the 60th year for this outstanding event.
Our Post 1776 spearheaded a cooperative effort to sponsor boys from all over the south suburban area. Together with the Rosemount Post 65 and the Burnsville Post 1770 we were able to sponsor six boys from area schools. The application and selection process begins each March-April with our area school counselors encouraging boys to apply. Each and every year we have had nothing but top-notch young men apply and attend.
Many thanks are offered to those post members who helped make this happen. Vern Yetzer for meeting with boys and their parents and getting the paperwork completed. Rich Davey for handling transportation and driving back and forth to Marshall. Reed Scholl from the Rosemount Post 65 and Rich Vanderlaan from the Burnsville Post for stepping up and sponsoring boys from their area schools. Working together, we were able to send more boys and offer greater support to the Boys State program.
Nurturing democratic values among our youth is a noble cause and one that the American Legion and all our members should be proud to support. It is, afterall, the values we all fought for which are being preserved and handed down.
Pictured. Rich Davey, Post 1776 member and driver; Aaron Jacobson, Moundsview; Connor Carroll, Rosemount; David Stern, Rosemount; David Bartholomew, Eagan; Christopher Massey, Rosemount; Chris Gerlach Post 1776 Boys State Chairman
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