For the first time in its history, BSM sent ten students to the Boys and Girls State programs. Just two days after finals wrapped up last Spring, these five boys and five girls traveled to St. John’s University and Bethel University, respectively, to embark on their journey through local government.
Boys and Girls State were designed by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary to educate young adults on the world of city, county, and state government. The sessions are a week long and strive to instill in these students a strong pride for the United States of America.
According to the American Legion Auxiliary–the most prominent United States female veteran organization–Girls State “epitomizes the ALA’s mission to honor those who have brought us our freedom through our enduring commitment to develop young women as future leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism.”
Roby, a guidance and college counselor at BSM, also finds great merit in the Boys and Girls State experiences. Voluntarily acting as liaison for the school and these programs, Mr. Roby has helped many students find their way to State over the years, but never has he helped as many eager students as he did this past Spring. “Usually I get 1-2 boys and 1-2 girls that come in and say they’re interested, but last year was absolutely remarkable because we had five boys and five girls that came and told me they wanted to go. We have never had that many, ever,” Roby said.
However, the high level of interest wasn’t the only remarkable part of this year’s State attendance. The State programs are entirely based on scholarship and paid for by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary, so only a select number of people are able to attend each year. “Most of the time the American Legions just have one opportunity per school, but this year I contacted both of them and told them that I had 10 interested students and asked if there was any way they could drum up more money so that all of them could attend,” Roby said.