Elgin American Legion sponsors high school boys to recreate state government

Submitted by Elgin American Legion Post 57

On June 9, the Elgin American Legion Post 57 sent 19 boys from local high schools to Eastern Illinois University for Boys State.

All participants must meet the following criteria. All boys must have completed their junior year in high school and must have at least one more semester in high school to complete after attending Boys State. All boys must be sponsored by an American Legion Post, parent church, bank union, school organization or civic organization. The cost for each boy is $225, which covers all program materials, as well as room and board for the entire week. All costs of the program are the responsibility of the sponsor or sponsoring organization.

This is an opportunity for boys from all walks of life to come together; some for the very first time. They meet with a common goal: create a mythical 51st state government, complete with governmental bodies and elected public officials. The program is designed to mirror the structure of Illinois local, county and state governments, leadership and character development.

“Citizens” are assigned to a mythical political party which results in involvement at the city, county, judicial circuit and legislative district, as well as at the state level of government. The government provides for elections at all levels of government.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for the 2013 Boys State program, call the post adjutant at (847) 741-2358.