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 A handful of Crystal River, Lecanto and Seven Rivers Christian high school seniors spent some time over the summer getting to know their state government workings, and say they are better citizens as a result.
They are now sharing that experience with other high school seniors this year.
Ten Crystal River, Lecanto and Seven Rivers Christian high school seniors attended American Legion’s Boys State program in Tallahassee at the state capital and lived in a dorm at Florida State University during the summer, thanks to their sponsorship by American Legion Post 155.
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 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 and other programs.
High school juniors will be selected by local American Legion Posts to attend the program. American Legion Post 155 is a community-based veterans organization, will pay all the expenses associated with this program including the transportation to and from the State Capital.
Well, its that time of the year again when American Legion interviews and selects high school juniors to attend and American Legion Post 155 has raised enough money to send another ten deserving high school juniors at the end of the school year. It is opened up to all Crystal River, Lecanto, Seven Rivers Christian high schools and even Home School juniors.
“Boys State brings together hundreds of boys from all over Florida to spend a week together forming cities, electing leadership, hearing speeches from the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and other government offices,” American Legion Post 155 Commander Larry Pink said.
“You really learn a lot about how the government works, and when you form into cities you also form a lot of good friendships, so it’s a good bonding experience too. They will really enjoy all the hands-on activities and will learn a lot about leadership skills by watching other people run for office,” American Legion Post 155 1st Vice Commander Jay Conti Sr. added. “It’s a great program to experience.”
One of the highlights of the weeklong stay would be meeting Florida Gov. Charlie Crist. For more information about the Boy’s State program, call American Legion Post 155 Boy’s State Coordinator John Hallowell at 352-628-6545, Jay Conti Sr. 4th District Boys State Coordinator at 352-344-4122 or at American Legion Post 155; 352-795-6526 or see your high school guidance counselor.
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