Manson and Chelan High School Students attend State Conference
information released; photo left to right- Marie Cannon, Addison Richmond (Manson High), William Hutchinson (Manson High), George Rohrich, Ian Calderon (Manson High), Robin Bloch and Maria Garcia (Chelan High).
Manson American Legion Commander Clyde McCullough stated, “We are very proud to announce that Manson American Legion, Post 108 had great success with Boys and Girls State in 2024. Three exceptional juniors from Manson High School and one from Chelan High School attended Boys State, held June 16 – 22 at Warm Beach Conference Center in Stanwood and Girls State, June 23 – 28 at Central Washington University in Ellenburg.”
The American Legion Evergreen Boys State and the American Legion Auxiliary Evergreen Girls State programs were created to teach young men and women entering their senior year of high school, democracy, and how it works in the state of Washington. This program is nationwide, state by state, and created by American Legionnaires.
Prior to World War II, two members of the Legion began the program to counter the socialism-inspired Young Pioneers Camps. Since then, Boys State and Girls State have become one of the most respected and selective educational programs for United States high school students. Participants learn about government by actively engaging in local, county, and state government operations. The programs include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies and more. Neither Boys State nor Girls State promote any particular political party. They simply teach Democracy.
Not only is Boys and Girls State a fun and educational experience it is also a great resume builder. Here’s a short list of Boys and Girls State alumni; Neil Armstrong, Nancy Reed, Bill Clinton, Christine Gregoir, Michael Jordan, Jon Bon Jovi, Jane Pauley, Tom Cotton, Bruce Springsteen, Rush Limbaugh and many more.
Post 108’s Boys and Girls State Committee consisted of Robin Bloch, George Rohrich (North Dakota Boys State graduate), Marie Cannon and John Swenson. Coordinating and assisting at Manson High were Superintendent Tabatha Mires (Evergreen Girls State Graduate), Principal Kami Kronbauer, and Counselor Jim Broome. Our contacts at Chelan High were counselors Terrie Carlton and Derek Todd.
Post 108’s team made presentations and held interviews at both schools the end of April. Once accepted, the applicants became Delegates. Post 108, with donations from the Mires and Bloch families, paid the full tuition amount for the Delegates to attend their respective programs. (Total cost-$2,440.00).
Delegates attended Post 108’s monthly meeting where they had a chance to talk and answer questions. We were very impressed and excited for our Delegates. After attending Boys and Girls State the Delegates joined Post 108 for its July meeting and we heard from each one. Each stated they didn’t know what to expect and were a bit nervous, all said they had a great time, learned a lot, and will highly recommend the program to juniors in next year’s class.
Addison Richmond from Manson High School summed up her experience in a letter she shared with Manson Legionnaires. “Dear American Legion, Post 108. Thank you all so much for your financial assistance and constant support while I attended Evergreen Girls State! I grew as a person and young woman while I was away and I learned tons about our great country and government. A definite highlight for me was meeting all the girls and making friendship and connections that will last a lifetime. I will forever be grateful to Mr. Bloch (and all of you) for introducing it, encouraging me and going to great lengths to make it possible! Thanks.”
The Manson American Legion is very proud of the students we sent and feel confident in saying, this one week will change their lives. To learn more about Boys state visit www.evergreenboysstate.org and Girls State www.evergreengirlsstate.com
The Manson American Legion meets the first Monday of each month. Meetings are held at the Manson Parks building and begin at 7:00 pm. If you served in the United States military and received an Honorable Discharge you are eligible to join. For more information contact Norm Manly at 509-293-0225 or normmany@yahoo.com
