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State Representative Bob Dettmer
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4124
For more information contact: Austin Bleess 651-296-5529
NEWS COLUMN
Highly Qualified High School Boys Given Governmental Opportunities
By Bob Dettmer
State Representative
District 52A
The American Legion Post 225 of Forest Lake recently announced that it will be sending highly qualified and honored male students to the 60th Annual American Legion, “Legion Boys State.” The Legion Boys State will be held on Southwest Minnesota State University Campus June 14-20, 2009. The program will begin at 1:00 P.M. on Sunday, June 14; and end after an awards ceremony on Saturday, June 20.
Having been a teacher and always interested in government and public service, I wanted to let the male students out there know about this great program where they too can learn about the government process. I would encourage all interested students to apply for this wonderful opportunity.
Legion Boys State was first held in Minnesota in 1948 with 169 attending boys at the University of Minnesota. Since then the program has gained more popularity, and in 2005 the program increased to 440 Boys Staters.
Legion Boys State is a practical training program designed to give boys learning experiences within state and local government while arousing personal interests in government. The program is a functional practice of democratic activities where boys will create an imaginary 51st state to govern with past personal education as well as new knowledge from competent men. Through participation, the boys will gain better civic behavior and appreciation of democratic ideals. It is in no way a military training camp. Programs will be instituted without any reference to any existing political programs, and free of political propaganda. It is not a recreational outing.
Boys State is open to all highly qualified boys. All boys are required to be in the end of junior year of high school, and becoming seniors in the following term. Boy Staters must be chosen from among students who are in the upper one-half of their class scholastically. Good candidates for Boys State are: leaders, socially friendly, enthusiastic, honest, interested in citizen training, and have demonstrated good quality in the classroom and community.
Applications can be picked up in the from the High School Dean’s Office. It is recommended that applicants submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty member such as the high school principal, or counselor. Enrollment is limited to 500 boys, and early application is recommended. The American Legion will be conducting interviews after the application deadline.
The American Legion is responsible for the registration fee of $250.00. The application deadline and payment is April 1, 2009; registration is to be submitted by May 1, 2009. Refunds of 50% will only be given before April; after April 1, there will be no refunds.
If selected to the Legion Boys State, boys will acquire greater knowledge and appreciation of governmental structures through direct participation, and awards such as scholarships are granted to outstanding individuals at the end of the week.
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