Danny Letsinger, commander of American Legion Post 112, announced this week that Branson Crewse, a home school student, has been selected to attend the 72nd session of The American Legion Missouri Boys State
The program will be held June 11-18 on the campus of the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg with an anticipated 1,000 students representing high schools from across Missouri.
Branson is sponsored by Black Gate Farms LLC of Mtn. Grove.
Established in 1938, Missouri Boys State is a statewide leadership and citizenship training program specifically developed for high school juniors who have distinguished themselves as leaders in their school. During the 8-day program, the young men experience government through a “hands on learning” approach, enhance their leadership skills, and develop an understanding of their rights and responsibilities as citizens. Using our democratic system as a basis, the participants, or citizens, will be equipped to construct their own state, utilizing the core values that hold true in our everyday lives. They will learn the need for competition, the value of public office, and the strength of the individual voice and vote. The future of our society is shaped by reinforcing these basic American ideals.
Through full participation in and successful completion of the Missouri Boys State program, the students become eligible for over $2,000,000 in college scholarships from approximately 30 Missouri colleges and universities; the Citizen of the Week Scholarship at $8,000; several American Legion Scholarships totaling $4,250; and the Samsung/American Legion Scholarship (multiple national-level scholarships valued at $20,000 each).
Participants who successfully complete the program (which includes passing an exam) may become eligible for 2 or 3 hours of college credit from the University of Central Missouri. Further, two participants are chosen to attend Boys Nation held in Washington D.C. during July.
Orientation sessions will be held throughout the state to provide the students and their parents with additional information about Missouri Boys State. Dates and locations are available by visiting the Boys State website – www.mo boysstate.org.
Each student who has been selected to participate is sponsored by an American Legion Post, civic group, business, or individual.
The entire Boys State staff is comprised of educational, legal, professional, and civic leaders who volunteer their time each year. Missouri Boys State is a 501(c)(3) organization and is sponsored by the Missouri American Legion.
Organizations, businesses, and individuals interested in becoming a sponsor, or for more information, contact the Missouri Boys State Headquarters at 1-877-342-5627.
