Four California High School students brought back experience in leadership and government from eight days of American Legion Boys State last week. The four young men will enter their senior year next fall.
Allan Burger, Matt Oerly, Alex Dalbey and Jaden Barr expressed their appreciation for the experience gained at Boys State in the roles played in both business and governmental positions. All four portrayed business owners, then were up for election.
They returned from the experience with a better understanding of government on city, county and state levels. About 1,000 participated in the event which is to teach "the duties, privileges, responsibilities and rights of American citizenship." Burger served as Presiding County Commissioner; Barr, as Health Commissioner and State Convention Delegate; Dalbey, as a County Delegate; and Oerly, City Councilman.
The students are identified and nominated by a committee from their high school which includes administrators, counselors and teachers. They must complete an on-line application and are selected based on a number of factors, including grades, school and extracurricular activities.
The students are sponsored for the $400 program fee by the local American Legion Post, or a civic or service organization or business.