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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.
For addition information on Empire Girls State Click on the Image below
Post Commander Presents Certificate to Girls State Recipient
Grenna Jung
as her mother Mrs, Jung watches
Post 316 Commander Joseph Occhipinti
Edwin Ocaiso attends Mosignor Farrell High School
Post 316 Boy's State Chairman William Baumwoll
Colleen Connors attends Notra Dame Academy High School
Gabriella Venditti talks about her
experiences while attending Girls State
Theodore Mercado of Michael J. Petrides School
Boys State Candidate July 2018
Award presented by
Boy's State Chairman William Baumwoll
and
Post Commander Carmine Vacirca
2016 Girls State Representative
Grenna Jung
Grenna tells the Post 316 members of her
experiences at Girls State
Michael Caracappa
Vice Commander William Baumwoll
Post Commander Carmine Vacirca
Boys and Girls State Candidates 2017
Boys and Girls State 2019
September 16, 2019
Boys State 2023 Candidate
Derek Cryzette
Girls State Candidate July 2018
Sarah Lawrence of Notre Dame Academy
Award presented by
Boys State Chairman William Baumwoll
&
Post Commander Carmine Vacirca
Mr. & Mrs Connors and Daughter Colleen Connors
Sarah Lawrence talks about her
experiences while attending Girls State
Theodore Merchado talks about his experiences while attending Boy's State
Boys State & Girls State Candidates for 2015
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.
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.
For additional Information click on the logos below
Girls State Candidate
Gabriella Venditti fom Notre Dame Academy
Girls State Candidate July 2018
Presented by
Boy's State Chairman William Baumwoll