Houston’s American Legion Post 41 has set a goal of helping four Houston High School juniors attend the organization’s annual boys leadership program.
Known as The American Legion Boys State of Missouri, the program is an eight-day, hands-on experience in the operation and fundamentals of government hosted by the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. Missouri Boys State annually draws together bright high school juniors with the goal of helping lead them down the path of individual success and leadership, not just through learning, but “doing.”
Post 41 has announced that it would like to help send HHS students Devin Coulter, Dalton Hale, Robert Kinney and Ely Todd to this year’s session, set for June 15-22.
The American Legion considers the idea that individuals have the power to change the world to be above all others at Missouri Boys State. Using the nation’s democratic system as a basis, the program strives to equip participants to construct their own state, utilizing core values that hold true in everyday life. Subjects focused on include the need for competition, the value of public service, and the strength of the individual voice and vote.
Citizens of The American Legion Boys State of Missouri are eligible to receive college credit and scholarships for successfully completing the program. Across the nation, American Legion Boys States have shaped some of the country’s most prominent leaders, including former President Bill Clinton, basketball legend Michael Jordan, Apollo astronaut Neil Armstrong, and former Missouri Gov. Bob Holden.
Created in Illinois in 1934 by Dr. Hays Kennedy and Harold Card (both educators and members of the Illinois American Legion), the Boys State program was designed to promote democracy. The Missouri Boys State took form in 1938, and more than 40,000 high school students have since attended.
The first session, held in Fulton, featured 129 young men and 14 counselors, while current sessions include an average of 1,000 young men and more than 120 counselors.
Post 41 is requesting help from local citizens in helping the four HHS students attend this year’s Missouri Boys State. To arrange a donation, call Post 41 adjutant/finance officer Jack White at 417-967-2008.
For more information about The American Legion Boys State of Missouri program, log onto http://www.moboysstate.org/.
For more information about American Legion Post 41, log onto www.americanlegionpost41.org.