Tellico Lake Post 256

BOYS STATE

American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students. It is a participatory program where each participant becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government.

Boys State has been a program of The American Legion since 1935 when it organized to counter the Fascist inspired Young Pioneer Camps. The program was the idea of two Illinois Legionnaires, Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card, who organized the first Boys State at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

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, chorus and recreational programs.

High school juniors are selected by local American Legion Posts to attend the program. In most cases, expenses associated with attending this program are paid by a sponsoring American Legion Post, a local business or another community-based organization.

American Legion Boys State is currently conducted in 49 Departments of The American Legion. Hawaii does not conduct a program. As separate corporations, Boys States vary in content and method of procedure, but each and every Boys State adheres to the basic concept of the program - that of teaching government from the township to the state level.

2024 Delegates

Sequoyah HS

Greenback HS

left to right are Bob Ullom; Tiffany Moffett, Greenback Guidance Counselor; Tyler Woody, Greenback Boys State delegate; Linda Ullom.

What is ALA Volunteer Girls State?

Since 1947, Volunteer Girls State, a program of the American Legion Auxiliary, has invested in more than 25,000 young women in Tennessee by providing the tools they need to become confident, informed citizens and voters.

The nonpartisan program is offered annually to more than 575 of Tennessee’s rising high school seniors and is centered on citizenship, teamwork, and fostering a love of God and country. Experienced volunteer staff and counselors — each one a program alumna — help guide participants, or “citizens,” through the week as they elect city, county, and state officials, engage in party politics, debate legislation, and collaborate in a host of fun team activities.

Program Highlights

• Practical, engaging citizenship and a dynamic government curriculum
• Respectful debate of real-world issues
• Live sessions of the Tennessee Supreme Court
• Fun competitions, including ALA VGS Olympics
• Musical performances by the ALA VGS Chorus
• Prominent speakers have included Tennessee’s governor, U.S. Senators, and other public officials

If you’ve been selected as a participant in this year’s session of ALA VGS, congratulations! You’ll soon become a citizen of Volunteer Girls State.