(Lawton, Oklahoma - 10 JAN 2019) The American Legion, the nation’s largest Veterans organization, is inviting all members of Lawton-Fort Sill , Oklahoma and Cache, Oklahoma to join them in sponsoring young men to attend Oklahoma American Legion Boys State this summer in the campus of NEO A&M College in Miami, Oklahoma.“These young men are the future leaders of America ,” said Claude F. Bates, Jr. , commander of Lowery-Whitehead American Legion Post 29 in Lawton, Oklahoma. “We are seeking boys with outstanding qualifications in character and leadership to attend one of the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction ever designed for high school students.”
High school juniors are selected in early spring by local American Legion posts to attend the program, which will be held at NEO A&M College from May 25, 2019 - June 1, 2019.
“It is a participatory program where each young man becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government,” said Bates.
In most cases, a sponsoring American Legion post, a local business or another community-based organization pays expenses associated with attending this program.
“I encourage the entire community – and in particular high school counselors, community leaders and business owners – to submit their recommendations for candidates to attend The Oklahoma American Legion Boys State program,” said Lowery-Whitehead Post 29 commander Bates.
The training at Oklahoma American Legion Boys State 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.
”The Oklahoma American Legion Boys State program is a unique way for young men to learn about the American system of government by taking part in a mock governmental system,” said Bates.
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 procedures, 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.
The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a similar program for girls called Girl’s state.
Lowery-Whitehead is looking to sponsor at least one junior male from each of Lawton, Oklahoma's three high schools and one from Cache High School in Cache, Oklahoma for a total of 4 Oklahoma Boys State delegates. For more information on The Oklahoma American Legion Boys State program, contact Lowery-Whitehead American Legion Post 29 by phone at (405) 300-8330 or by E-mail AmericanLegionLawton@gmail.com American Legion An Oklahoma Boys State application may be downloaded at the following link:
https://goo.gl/CcYsp6
