Kids & Family

Legion to Sponsor Youths for Civics Program

Students who attend learn how government works and participate in mock elections.

The following was submitted by Bill Galvin. It has been edited only for format.

The James Conway Bunker Hill Post 26 of the American Legion is pleased to announce that it is sponsoring high school juniors who have an interest in government or in ROTC/service academies for this year's Boys and Girls State program.

Students who attend learn how government works, how laws become enacted and participate in mock elections for offices similar to local and state positions. There is also an extensive social, athletic and entertainment program that attendees may voluntarily participate in.

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Boys and girls from around the state attend. Few students know each other so friendships develop quickly. Many of the students have been involved in student government at their schools but that is not a prerequisite.

Many successful public servants who have attended including Attorney General Martha Coakley and President Bill Clinton (there's a very famous political picture of Bill Clinton, as a Boys State representative, shaking hands with President Kennedy in the Rose Garden).

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This year's program will be held at Stonehill College from Saturday, June 16th to Friday, June 22nd. All food, lodging, travel and enrollment expenses will be paid by Post 26.

High school principals at both public and private schools are most cooperative in re-arranging exam scedules to accomodate attendees. They view their students selection as a positive reflection on their school. College admission officers also consider attendance as a plus for applicants.

Last year William Evers of St. Martin Street was a Charlestown representative to Boys State. And, although he was apprehensive about going, he ended up loving it, as have all our previous attendees. He'd welcome any questions that juniors might have and would like to share his experience with anyone who has any questions. Let us know and we'll put him in touch with you.

For more information see the website "www.maboysstate.org". Anyone interested should contact post chair Bill Galvin at 617-242-3862.


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