BOYS STATE

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Boys State Scholars

Boys State Scholarships are awarded in March of each year, based on an application and interview process. Boys State Graduates have a prestigious distinction in that they are viewed, in the eyes of college admissions counselors and prospective service academies, on equal footing with Eagle Scout awardees. This distinction becomes a tangible addition to each boy’s professional resume and Graduates have an in-depth knowledge of municipal and county management processes, as well as legislative processes for their state. During their week at Boys State they also receive visits from state dignitaries which include the Governor, Speaker of the House of Representatives, State Senators, and leaders from the Tennessee Military Department.

In 2025, Post 115 had three delegates graduate, all of whom were eligible to join the Sons of the American Legion. They were: Chris Foster and Robert Redley of Creek Wood and Patrick “PJ” Burns of Clarksville Academy. (PJ is a resident of Dickson County which puts him under Post 115’s supported area.)

In 2024, Post 115 sent seven delegates to Boys State. They were: Kolten Bradshaw, Patrick Mahoney, and Nathan Marcum from Dickson County and Bradley Stoker, Jakob Roman, Andre Mendoza, and Nathaniel Dore from Creek Wood. Nathaniel Marcum was selected by the United States Military Academy at West Point to join the Class of 2019.

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.

The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a similar program for young ladies called Girls State. For online details visit  http://www.boysandgirlsstate.org/girls.html

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