South Brunswick Students Sought for Jersey Boys State

Even though winter is in the air, American Legion Post 401 in South Brunswick is preparing for its annual summer ritual of sending delegates from South Brunswick to Jersey Boys State, a mythical fifty-first state organized and administered for citizenship training purposes under the auspices of the American Legion, Department of New Jersey.

To qualify to attend New Jersey Boys State, a student must be a male high school junior living in South Brunswick, be maintaining a B or better average, and receive the recommendation of the school.

Nominees should haveoutstanding qualities of leadership, character, scholarship, loyalty and service to his school and community. Registration expenses associated with attending this program are paid by American Legion Post 401. South Brunswick residents wishing to receive an application to attend Jersey Boys State should write Gary Cooper, Boys State chair, at alpost401@hotmail.com before January 31, 2013.

The 68th session of American Legion Boys State will be held June 16-21, 2013, at Rider University, Lawrenceville. Last year over 900 boys from throughout New Jersey participated. American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students. It is a participatory program where each attendee becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government.

At American Legion Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights and privileges, the duties and the responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training 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, and recreational programs.