Apple Valley post of American Legion program heading to Sacramento
BY L.J. GAMBONE
APPLE VALLEY REVIEW
Equipping young men to become future leaders is something the nonprofit American Legion Boys State program is extremely passionate about, according to American Legion member Jim Brown.
Brown, who acts as chairperson for the Boys State program at Apple Valley Post 256, said American Legions from all across California will send four local high school juniors to leadership training in Sacramento for one week in June.
While there, the young men will have the opportunity to participate in legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses and recreational programs. Brown said he has witnessed first-hand the tremendous and lasting impact these types of activities have had on students throughout the years.
“The boys who go will get to form their own government and run it in the same manner as the state of California,” said Brown. “It’s an exciting opportunity for them to experience the inner workings of our state’s political system. In the past, many young men have gone on to become politicians.”
According to the American Legion’s Boys State website, the program was founded in 1935 by Illinois Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card, who organized the first Boys State at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.
Since its inception, only high school juniors have been admitted to the program and they are selected by local American Legion Post leaders. The posts pay for the students’ transportation and other travel expenses.
“The Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce sponsored two boys,” said Brown. “But we’ve had to reach out to businesses and other professionals in the Town to raise the money for the remaining two.”
This year, American Legion Apple Valley Post 256 will send Noah Stein, Luke Rodriguez, George Lasko and Ahsan Bari to represent the High Desert at the Boys State program. Kevin Flaich and Shane Denison were chosen as alternates in the event one of the primary candidates is unable to attend.
Brown said his post received over 20 applications this year. Each young man who applied was required to have a 3.0 grade-point average or better. Additionally, he had to go through an intense interview process where he was asked a series of questions relating to the United States government and the military. He also was evaluated on his mannerisms, dress and demeanor.
“Our post members were very impressed by how smart the young men were who we chosen,” said Brown. They are well-dressed, well-mannered and very respectful to others. When you go out into the world today, you don’t find that being the case very often. We really did find the best of the best.”
On May 3, Brown said Post 256 will host a luncheon at Post 229 in Chino for the boys who will attend the program. A special awards luncheon will be held after the young men return.
“We are looking forward to getting together with the boys when they come back from the training,” said Brown. “I’m sure they will have lot to share about their experience and will no doubt be changed forever.”
Brown admits raising funds to send young men to the Boys State program has been challenging. For those to wish to donate, contact Brown at 760-247-3738. Visit www.boysandgirlsstate.org/boys.html for more information about the program.