With June fast approaching, we are gearing up for the 76th annual session of The American Legion Arizona Boys State! Thanks to the recruiting efforts of the American Legion Posts and Arizona’s high schools, we are pleased to report that over 160 students, representing almost 90 high schools, have registered for Boys State 2024 so far. That number already represents an increase of more than 15% compared to last year’s enrollment – and we aren’t done yet!
We’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Boys State Chairmen and Committeemen at Posts across the state who have been particularly active with Boys State recruiting: Post 2 (Paul Cope, Mike Creever), Post 8 (Don Graham), Post 12 (Tom Core), Post 19 (Walt Blakesley), Post 27 (Bill Johnson), Post 40 (Tim Prater), Post 41 (Steve Mora), Post 53 (Daniel Stark), Post 66 (David Van Lieshout), Post 86 (Kevin Owens), Post 96 (George Van de Langeryt), Post 108 (Gary Streeter), Post 109 (Todd Sprister), Post 117 (Lynn Solace), Post 128 (George Walker), Post 129 (Rick Rivera), Post 132 (George Eveland, Larry McNamee, Jim Burt), Post 135 (Jeri Strande), Post 137 (Paul Roetto), and Post 138 (Marcus Johnston). We know this list is incomplete, and includes only those Posts that have been in contact with Department staff about Boys State. Many other Posts have been working to promote Boys State across Arizona.
Boys State still needs your help! It costs the Boys State program approximately $650 to host each student; however, each student was only asked to pay a tuition fee of $225. In theory, a sponsoring Post would pay the remaining $425 per student. However, a large number of students do not have a Post sponsor. In addition, several students have requested financial aid because they cannot afford the $225 tuition fee.
We’d like to ask each Post to consider donating to Boys State to help us close these funding gaps. Posts can make a general donation to Boys State, or request that their donation be used to sponsor one or more students at nearby high schools. We must hit our fundraising goal by April 22. Donate here: https://azlegion.org/boysstate/posts/
In addition, although the student-registration deadline has passed, we will consider late applicants to the extent space remains available. If you identify a junior boy who may be a good fit for Boys State, please encourage him to apply at https://azlegion.org/boysstate/apply.
For God And Country,
Larry Bahill
Director
Arizona Boys State
