The American Legion Boys State program
was started in Illinois in 1935 and is primarily designed to help participants
understand and appreciate the principles and workings of Government, at the
national, state, county, and local levels. Along with this, however, is
an implied emphasis on the values, rights, and responsibilities of citizenship.
South Dakota Boys State is a week
long, interactive program that begins every year on Memorial Day, and is hosted
on the campus of Northern State University in Aberdeen. Students attend
the summer between their Junior and Senior years of High School, after being
selected by both their school and the sponsoring post (in Aberdeen, this is
Sidney L Smith, post #24).
<== During the 2007 session of Boys State, the Federalist (mythical
political party) Convention got together to chose their platform and
candidates.
To apply, a candidate must be a US Citizen, living (or attending school) in
South Dakota. Selection criteria is excellence in Academics, a history of
Leadership, and a record of Citizenship and Community Involvement.
Applications for Boys State are available from the school counselor's office,
normally on or just after the first of February, and students from Aberdeen who
have applied will be contacted for an interview with the Post's Boys State
selection committee.
The 2010 session of Boys State
will commence on May 31st and run through June 4th.
Applications will be accepted via the school's counseling office (or
contact the post Americanism
Officer), and must be turned in by the 26th of February for consideration.
There is no cost to the student for attending, but the post does ask that
all applicants be committed to attending if chosen.