Bangs High School seniors Patton McClatchy and Emilio Belez shared a recent experience the two shared with the members of Bangs American Legion Post 308 during the organization’s monthly meeting August 21st.
The two 2013 graduates recently attended American Legion Boys State, a selective educational program which allows participants to gain a deep understanding of local, county and state government, as well as the voting process and the impact voting has in society.
The event, held on the campus at the University of Texas was a “great experience” McClatchy said.
“Boys State taught us to stand on our own,” McClatchy said. “I learned a lot about the election process and learned that there are a lot of elections that come down to one vote and that one vote does matter.”
Belez focused on the personal relationship aspect of the event while addressing the post. “I had a speech written about everything I was going to say, but what I want to tell you is that to me, it was about working with others that you barely know,” Belez said. “You learn to work together. I learned you can gain knowledge and friendship.”
Commander Billy Jack Rankin presented the students with a challenge. “I want you to start looking at the students in the junior class and help us identify young men who would be good candidates to attend next year.”
Boys State, an American Legion program since 1935, is manned by high school juniors who are selected by local American Legion posts.
According to American Legion literature, the following are criteria used to determine eligibility as a Boys State delegate:
• Be a male high school student
• Have successfully completed his junior year
• Have at least one semester remaining
• Have not previously attended Boys State
• Volunteer to participate in Boys State
• Sign the Boys State pledge
• Be recommended by his high school officials
• Have parents/guardians’ permission to attend
• Be certified by the sponsoring American Legion Post
Pictured at top:
Emilio Belez, left, and Patton McClatchy are shown with Bangs American Legion Post 308 Commander Billy Jack Rankin. The two Bangs High School seniors were selected by the post to attend Boys State at the University of Texas in June.
Photo by Rick Phelps.
