Provided by American Legion Post 1799
American Legion Post 1799 has selected six boys and eight girls to attend American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State. Since the selection was made, Girls State for 2020 has been cancelled. No word yet on the status of Boys State.
Every year, Post 1799 selects delegates from Battlefield and Patriot High Schools as well as area home-schooled students, to participate in Boys State and Girls State. Selection is based on the applicant’s academic performance, leadership experience, interest in civics, and demonstrated commitment to public and community service.
The Post received a generous donation from The QBE Foundation in Haymarket, as well as donations from individual Post members. Thanks to these donations, the Post was able to provide scholarships to two boys and two girls this year.
This year’s Boys State delegates are:
- Cameron Cho, Battlefield High School
- Craig Caudill, Battlefield High School
- Alexander Geneva, Battlefield High School
- Taijon Goodman, Patriot High School
- Jeffrey Lazar, Battlefield High School
- Xavier Kubancik, Patriot High School
Girls State delegates:
- Sofia Calderon, Battlefield High School
- Madeleine Hulbert, Battlefield High School
- Rachel Kim, Battlefield High School
- Elizabeth Lee, Battlefield High School
- Rachel Nguyen, Battlefield High School
- Zarin Rahman, Battlefield High School
- Lauren Scheerer, Battlefield High School
- Elise Viles, Home-Schooled
Background
Since the 1930s, American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State have provided delegates with an immersive learning experience. The experience is designed to enshrine within them with knowledge of the rights and privileges, duties, and responsibilities of citizens of their respective states. Delegates have run for election for various offices including mayor, city council, sheriff, Supreme Court justice, delegate, senator, attorney general, lieutenant governor, and governor. Attendees participate in legislative sessions designed to provide a real-world experience that simulates the functions of state and local government. In addition, delegates to participate in recreational activities ranging from band and chorus to athletics. Delegates also attend classes in public speaking and parliamentary procedures.
Virginia delegates hear from and engage with senior members of the Virginia’s government. In the past this has included the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and members of the Virginia House of Delegates and State Senate. Each state-level program selects delegates to attend Boys Nation and Girls Nation in Washington, D.C. later in the summer.
For additional information on Post 1799, please click here or here.
