The American Legion Post #1045 on Fishers Island is raising funds to support rising seniors with a week-long summer experience at the American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary’s Empire Girls State this summer. It is hoped that this will be the start of a new initiative of Post #1045’s continuing effort for community outreach and education.
American Legion Boys State is a week-long program that immerses high school youth (currently completing their junior year) in citizenship and leadership training. They learn the practical aspects of government as it exists in New York State, and come to recognize that the individual is integral to the character and success of government. They also participate in physical fitness, teamwork and other activities, under the guidance of American Legion counselors and U.S. Marines.
Boys State will be held from June 27 to July 2, 2019 at SUNY Morrisville State College in Morrisville, NY.
If you or a youth you know would like to apply, contact your local American Legion Post (Fishers Island’s American Legion Post #1045) to inquire about sponsoring you to Boys State. Once a Post agrees to sponsor you, you will receive a notification to go ahead and submit the online application to this year’s Boys State program.
American Legion Auxiliary’s Empire Girls State is a hands-on week-long educational workshop, focusing on Americanism and the political process, sponsored by the New York State American Legion Auxiliary. The goal of the program is to help students to better understand democratic ideals and the part we as individuals play in carrying out these ideals. This program, which has been accredited by the National College Credit Recommendation Service (National CCRS) is a non-partisan attempt to teach high school junior girls about government, politics, and Americanism.
Qualified high school juniors are selected to become citizens of and participate in creating a mythical 51st State, from the county to the state level. This mythical 51st state is divided into 11 counties, each named after famous women and the citizens, assigned to either the Nationalist or Federalist Party, experience the two-party system, much like our Government. Their rigorous schedule includes participating in political campaigns, debates, and crafting bills. As the government begins to take shape, these young women come to understand their roles in a democratic society.
During their week at Empire Girls State, these students, under the guidance of the Americanism Chairman, will also learn proper flag etiquette, participate in and create either a flag lowering or raising ceremony, and participate in a POW-MIA Ceremony. The citizens will also receive information from the Department (State) President on some of the programs that are important components of our organization.
The 2019 American Legion Auxiliary Empire Girls State program will be held June 30, 2019- July 6, 2019 at The College of Brockport in Brockport, NY.
Contact your local American Legion Auxiliary unit (Fishers Island’s American Legion Post #1045) between November 1 and January 1 for more information about the selection process. Application deadline is March 1, 2019
Contacts for Fishers Island’s
American Legion Post #1045
Patty Walker predo564@gmail.com, 404.694.1054
Tim Patterson timpattersonfi@mac.com, 860.908.0686
