Boys and Girls State

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Boys State Program for 2021

Mr. & Mrs Connors and Daughter Colleen Connors

Sarah Lawrence talks about her

experiences while attending Girls State

Theodore Merchado talks about his experiences while attending Boy's State

Boys State 2022

Michael Caracappa

Boys State & Girls State Candidates for 2015

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 participant 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.

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. In most cases, expenses associated with attending this program are paid by a sponsoring American Legion Post.

American Legion Boys State is currently conducted in 49 Departments of The American Legion. Hawaii does not conduct a program. As separate corporations, Boys States vary in content and method of procedure, but each and every Boys State adheres to the basic concept of the program - that of teaching government from the township to the state level.

For additional Information click on the logos below

Girls State Candidate
Gabriella Venditti fom Notre Dame Academy

Girls State Candidate July 2018

Presented by

Boy's State Chairman William Baumwoll

Grenna tells the Post 316 members of her

experiences at Girls State

Michael Caracappa - Vice Commander William Baumwoll - Post Commander Carmine Vacirca

2016 Girls State Representative

Grenna Jung

Post 316 Commander Joseph Occhipinti

Edwin Ocaiso attends Mosignor Farrell High School

Post 316 Boy's State Chairman William Baumwoll

Colleen Connors attends Notra Dame Academy High School

Gabriella Venditti talks about her

experiences while attending Girls State

Boys and Girls State Candidates 2017

Empire Girls State is a hands-on week-long educational workshop, focusing on Americanism and the political process, sponsored by the New York State American Legion Auxiliary. The goal of the program is to help students to better understand democratic ideals and the part we as individuals play in carrying out these ideals. This program, which has been accredited by the National College Credit Recommendation Service (National CCRS) is a non-partisan attempt to teach high school junior girls about government, politics, and Americanism.

Qualified high school juniors are selected to become citizens of and participate in creating a mythical 51st State, from the county to the state level. This mythical 51st state is divided into 11 counties, each named after famous women and the citizens, assigned to either the Nationalist or Federalist Party, experience the two party system, much like our Government. Their rigorous schedule includes participating in political campaigns, debates, and crafting bills. As the government begins to take shape, these young women come to understand their roles in a democratic society.

For addition information on Empire Girls State Click on the Image below

Boy's State Application.