America Legion Seeks 2012 Jersey Boys State Applicants

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 High School to Jersey Boys State. The mythical fifty-first state is 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 at South Brunswick High School, maintaining a B or better average, and receive the recommendation of the school.

Nominees should have outstanding qualities of leadership, character, scholarship, loyalty and service to his school and community. 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, 2012.

The 67th session of American Legion Boys State will be held June 17-22, 2012, 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's 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.