PRYOR, Okla. - The American Legion, Sullivan/Lewis Post 182 in Pryor, sponsored 3 Pryor High School seniors to American Legion Oklahoma Boys State and 1 Pryor High School senior to American Legion Auxiliary Oklahoma Girls State. These four students were privileged to participate in one of the country's premier programs for young men and women.
The American Legion Auxiliaries Oklahoma Girls State is a weeklong summer camp. Oklahoma's Girls State began in 1940 and has been held yearly except for two years during World War II and 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During Girls State, the ladies learn about the political process. The girls are assigned to mock cities and hold elections for city, county, and state government positions. They have elections for all levels of government and actively run a mock government. Ella White represented Post 182 at Girls State. She held the position of city judge and District Attorney. While at Girls State, Ella had the opportunity to meet several State Senators and Representatives. Other State Dignitaries included Governor Kevin Stitt and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister.
Oklahoma Girls State Facebook Page
Beau Raymond, John Warren, and Connor McNeer spent a week at Rogers State University attending Boys State. According to the American Legion, "Oklahoma American Legion Boys State is an intense week of non-partisan leadership, government, and patriotism." The American Legion established the program in the 1930s to counter anti-American activity during the pre-World War II era.
For one week, Oklahoma's finest young men, Legionnaires, and other outstanding volunteers gather to study the government of Oklahoma through classroom work and various simulations. Simulations include a mock legislature, state executive offices, and a court system. In addition to classroom work, instruction also features a Leadership Academy, a Law School for lawyers, judges, and law enforcement officers, and an Emergency Management/Response school where delegates learn how communities and the State respond to crises.
Oklahoma Boys State Facebook Page
Delegates are randomly assigned as members of two synthetic parties, Boomers and Sooners. These two parties in no way represent existing political parties; each platform is solely the creation of the members. The program is non-partisan and non-political in every sense. Delegates will consider problems and exercises without reference to existing political parties or philosophies. The sole purpose of the Government Practicum is to enable delegates to grasp the meaning of the responsibilities they will be called upon to assume as adults. An integral part of the program involves outstanding speakers from all areas of government and patriotic speakers who inspire delegates to increase their love and respect for their country.
America's veterans are recognized and honored during the week. Delegates are encouraged to interact fully through the simulations and city, county, and state activities. Boys State features a band, a choir, a talent show, and a wide variety of sports and other activities. Delegates are encouraged to bring small instruments and appropriate sports equipment and clothing. They live with about sixty other representatives on college dormitory floors called "cities," where, in simulation, they organize and operate their government before establishing county and state governments. New friends, new ideas, and reinforced values are just a few of the byproducts of this beautiful week. In addition, college credit is available for Boys State, and delegates can earn two or three hours by enrolling with the host University and completing the assigned tests and written work.
Beau Raymond
Beau Raymond brought home The Newby Tyson Award. This award is presented in honor of Newby C. Tyson of Bethany, OK. Beau received the award for his unassuming attitude and willingness to work for the benefit of others.
In August, the four delegates will attend Post 182's monthly meeting and share what they learned during the week with the members. If you are a Veteran and would like to learn more about Boys and Girls State, this would be a perfect opportunity. You can help American Legion Post 182 continue the tradition of sponsoring local youths' attendance at Boys and Girls State by attending their Steak and Fish nights. These are the primary fundraisers for the organization and are held on the second and fourth Friday of every month.
