American Legion Post 202, Auxiliary Unit 176 Send Students To Boys & Girls State
American Legion Post 202 and Auxiliary Unit 176 sent four boys and four girls to Boys and Girls State programs from June 27 to July 2. This year’s program was held at University of New Haven.
Boys and Girls State programs are prestigious and widely respected, particularly by college admissions officers and military academies. Since only a small percentage of high school juniors are selected to attend each year, participation carries significant weight on a resume and is comparable to earning the distinction of Eagle Scout.
The American Legion's Boys State program was founded in 1935. It was created as a participatory citizenship and government training program. It is for high school juniors who will be going into senior year.
The American Legion Auxiliary organized the first Girls State program as a national activity in 1937. Modeled after the Boys State program, this experiential citizenship training program invites young women to learn about the democratic process and government operations.
Francesco Carr, of Brookfield High School, and Aaron Grummons, Nathaniel Butz, and Samuel Irving, of Newtown High School, were sent to Boys State. They also sent Allison Danial, of Immaculate High School, Sarah Bento, of Masuk High School, and Gabriella Payne and Lindsey Civitelli, of Newtown High School, to Girls State.
Post 202 Commander Donna Monteleone said each of these young men and women has unique talents, skills, and abilities.
"Who knows what they will become? Will they be a teacher, doctor, business owner, a mayor, a governor, or perhaps president of the United States? We do know that we can expect great things from them," Monteleone said. "They are leaders in the making and the future of our nation. The American Legion Family is proud to have played a small part on their path into the future."
If someone has an upcoming high school student in their family and would like to learn more about the Boys/Girls State program, or would like to learn more about the American Legion Family, e-mail AmericanLegionNewtown@gmail.com or call 203-577-9568.