Congratulations to Gowanda High’s GABRIELLE WHIPPLE on being named the American Legion Auxilary Empire Girls State 2022 delegate as well as BEN KRAJEWSKI, SAM LATIMORE and TYLER SMITH on being named, the 2022 American Legion Boys’ State delegates this summer!
The Gowanda American Legion Auxiliary Unit #409 is the sponsor for this year’s Girls State Citizen. Only 360 students are chosen from high schools across New York. To be eligible for selection, each student must have outstanding qualities of leadership, character, honesty, scholarship, cooperation and maturity. Student must be interested in the program and willing to participate in all phases of the program, including flag ceremonies.
Gabby will travel to The College at Brockport to participate in a week-long program. The Girls State Citizens will build the government of a mythical 51st state, from the local level up to the state level. Girls will participate in campaigns, rallies, speeches, platform and various legislative committees, and create bills. Students will come as strangers and leave as friends, confident of their role and duties as citizens in a democratic society.
Boys’ State Delegates are sponsored by the American Legion Gowanda Post 409. The 2022 American Legion Boys’ State program will be held at SUNY Morrisville State College from June 26 – July 1, 2022. There, Ben, Sam and Tyler will participate in a week-long program that immerses high school youth (currently completing their junior year) in citizenship and leadership training. They will the practical aspects of government as it exists in New York State, and come to recognize that the individual is integral to the character and success of government. They also participate in physical fitness, teamwork, and other activities, under the guidance of American Legion counselors and U.S. Marines.