Boys State and Girls State 2015: A week that can shape a lifetime

It is time again to be thinking about going to Boys State and Girls State. Last year American Legion Field-Allen Post 148 of Windham sent four juniors from Windham High School to either Boy’s or Girl’s State. Many past Boys and Girls State attendees have gone on to become local and state political figures. For example, Maine State Senator Gary Plummer (now retired) of Windham attributed his interest in entering politics to his time at Boys State in 1963.

The local Legion Post is again looking for highly motivated juniors to attend either Boys or Girls State to be held in June. These State conventions provide opportunities for Maine juniors to participate in programs that supplement high school courses and to better understand the process and responsibilities of government. Attendees role-play as they learn to campaign for various state positions and organize and carry out the functions of government. This is an amazing opportunity to our youth to learn about how government works.

Sponsorship is through the American Legion, Department of Maine, with local Post financial support. There is no direct cost to the participants who are selected for the programs. 

Interested juniors desiring to place their names into consideration may do so by contacting the Windham High School guidance office. There will be a preliminary information meeting for all applicants on March 10^th at Windham High School with American Legion Post and Auxiliary Unit 148 Boys and Girls state coordinators followed by a March 17^th interview and selection session, again at the high school.

The Legion Post and Women’s Auxiliary Unit currently have funding to send two boys and three girls to their respective conventions in June. Organizations or individuals wishing to provided additional funding for this program or sponsor a student may do so by contacting Field-Allen Post Financial Officer, Dave Tanguay (892-1306) for details. Full or partial sponsorships are always welcome.

Additional program information is available on the American Legion, Dept. of Maine web site at: http://www.mainelegion.org and click programs in the left column. Or, locally, contact: Mel Greenier at 854 -8616 (boys) or Pam Whynot at 892-4720 (girls).