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MANHATTAN — The deadline to register for the 2019 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy is just around the corner — Monday, April 15. However, if those interested in the program miss the deadline, the program will continue to take registrations through Monday, May 26, as space allows. The event, which will be in its 82nd year, will be held Sunday, June 2, through Friday, June 7, at Kansas State University in Manhattan.
The ALBSKLA is for young men who will enter their senior year of high school in the fall of 2019. It provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.
The cost to attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $325; however, in most instances, sponsors pay for the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying a $50 applicant fee. Those wishing to attend the program should visit http://kansasboysstate.com/ to register.
Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals, or those with questions, should contact Troy Fowler, ALBSKLA director of operations, at troy.fowler@ksbstate.org.
The American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.
The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy, visit http://kansasboysstate.com/ or http://ksbstate.org/.
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