Kyle Persinger (left) and Kole Jarvis
The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State was held June 9-15, 2019 at West Virginia University Jacksonâs Mill. Students took part in creating the 51st State to the Union.
Founded in 1936, the goal of The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State (ALMBS) is to educate and train West Virginiaâs youth in understanding one of the countryâs most precious freedoms â the democratic form of government. ALMBS is characterized as “West Virginiaâs premier school of Americanism, Citizenship and Leadership!” West Virginia proudly holds the 2nd oldest American Legion Boys State charter in the nation.
ALMBS is sponsored by the nationâs largest wartime veteranâs service organization â The American Legion. For 100 years, The American Legion remains committed to mentoring and sponsorship of youth programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans - these are known as the Four Pillars of The American Legion: Veterans, Americanism, Youth and Defense.
This year 349 young men participated in the weeklong program from throughout the 55 Counties of West Virginia.
The American Legion would like to congratulate the local Calhoun County graduates, Kyle Persinger and Kole Jarvis.
More About Boys State - The American Legion Boys State is a nationwide honors program developed to expose its participants to the rights, privileges, duties and responsibilities of a franchised Citizen. This summer leadership academy is objective and practical with city, county and state governments operated by the "Citizens" elected to the various activities. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus, and recreational programs.
In order to attend ALMBS, "Citizens" had to have completed their junior year in high school, be in the top of their class academically, demonstrated leadership ability, recommended by their local High School and selected by their local American Legion Post.
Participants receive many benefits from this "Week that shapes a lifetime!" These benefits range from obtaining college credit, applying for scholarships, earning extra merit points towards attending the military academies, as well as, developing a diverse network of relationships across the state. Approximately 31,000 individuals have graduated from The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State in its 82-year history.
The American Legion Auxiliary holds the American Legion Auxiliary Rhododendron Girls State program at Davis & Elkins College for those female juniors who are interested in a similar program; more information on ALARGS can be found at  https://wvgirlsstate.org | 
