American Legion Post 140 Buckhead Sponsors Record Number of Students for Georgia Boys State and Girls State
Atlanta students learn firsthand how government and democracy work
American Legion Post 140 Buckhead sponsored a record 19 students from metro Atlanta high schools for this summer’s Boys and Girls State programs in Georgia. The American Legion’s youth programs help shape the next generation of American leaders by fostering citizenship, character, and a deep respect for our nation’s founding principles. These initiatives strengthen communities and prepare young people for lives of service and leadership.
“We had great success this year in sponsoring rising-senior High School students to attend Boys and Girls State this summer,” said Army veteran Dale Hajost, who manages Post 140’s Boys and Girls State programs. “Most American Legion Posts are satisfied with turning up one qualified boy and girl to go to this honored program. Post 140, which is relatively small compared to many other posts in the state, turned up a total of 19. We’re very proud. These future leaders are some of the best and brightest in the north Atlanta metro area.”
These are the Atlanta-area students that Post 140 sponsored:
Boys
Rohan Anand Westminster Schools
Levi Aspes Atlanta International School
Zach Blackwood Pace Academy
Charles Copeland Mount Vernon School
Evan Craig Blessed Trinity Catholic
Hans Luca Davis North Atlanta High School
Charlie Dunn St. Francis School
Henry Eckersley Midtown High School
Will Ellen Midtown High School
Cameron Gastineau North Atlanta High School
Talan Goncher Midtown High School
Grady Hill Decatur High School
Albert Li Decatur High School
Charles Lock Home Schooled
Will McNary Marist School
London Salter Pace Academy
Isaac Twomey Holy Spirit Prep
Girls
Nancy Guzman Riverwood International Charter School
Rhys Kopecky Westminster Schools
Held at Valdosta State University, Georgia Boys State occurred June 7-13 and Georgia Girls State occurred June 7-12.
Across the country, Legionnaires provide opportunities that build confidence, discipline, and civic responsibility through programs including Boys State and Girls State. These programs reach youth of every background and reflect the Legion’s enduring commitment to Americanism. Together, they promote citizenship, leadership, service, and opportunity while ensuring future generations are ready to uphold the principles of justice, freedom, and democracy.
Boys State is a “leadership action program” where qualified male high school rising seniors take part in a practical government course. It is designed to develop a working knowledge of the structure of government and to impress upon the citizen the fact that our government is just what we make it. Along the way delegates have the opportunity to learn the political process by organizing a mythical 51st state. Each level of government is run by those delegates who are elected to serve. Instruction is presented on the law and court system, parliamentary procedure and Georgia political history.
American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for U.S. high school students. A participatory program in which students become part of the operation of local, county and state government, Boys State was founded in 1935 to counter the socialism-inspired Young Pioneer Camps.
American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a separate but similar program for young women called Girls State.
About Boys State
Since 1935, American Legion Boys State and Boys Nation have offered top high school juniors a unique, hands-on experience in how government works. At Boys State, students run mock governments and engage in civic leadership.
Two delegates from each Boys State program are selected for Boys Nation in Washington, D.C., where they serve as U.S. senators in a week of mock sessions, party conventions, and national landmark visits. Many alumni go on to careers in public service or politics.
You can learn more here.
About Girls State
Girls State is a National program of the American Legion Auxiliary. It is a course of instruction in, as well as, a practical application of, the fundamental principles and procedures of city, county, and state government under the American system. A session, usually lasting five days, is conducted by each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, with the top-ranking high school girls as citizens. Under the guidance of skilled counselors and other staff members who are leading citizens, these girls learn and then practice through self-government, the duties, responsibilities, and privileges of American citizenship. Georgia Girls State is sponsored, as it has been since 1945, by the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Georgia with local Auxiliary units and interested civic, fraternal, and patriotic organizations cooperating.
You can learn more here.
Photo provided by Rohan Anand (seated left)
Photo provided by Rohan Anand
Receiving the award for Best City
Photo provided by Rohan Anand