Since the beginning of Boys’ State, it has been a place for boys to become men. In 1935, an instructor at the Loyola University Chicago School of Law and Americanism Chairman of the Illinois Department of The American Legion, and Harold Card, the Department Boy Scout Chairman and junior high school instructor, wanted to create a program for young …
Many students fail to get the most out of Boys’ State until it’s too late — and here’s why. Boys’ State represents a rare opportunity for high school students to participate within an efficient self-established democratic government — an educational experience of a lifetime. It is also a chance to enjoy oneself through spirited social … Continue reading
On June 30th, the 2025 Boys’ State governor, David Brophy, appeared before the 2026 Boys’ State citizens as a guest speaker. Although his speech was short, he stood among all the other guest speakers the citizens of Boys’ State had seen this week. During his interview, David Brophy revealed that one of his main goals … Continue reading
After the week at Boys’ State is over, the most memorable moments are the ones that stay with you — the moments that challenge you and make you consider the man you want to become. Brian Wyman shared the story of his son and his message with the Boys’ State citizens. His message wasn’t meant … Continue reading
Bravery comes in all different forms, whether it be fighting in war, saving a child from a raging fire, or signing up for Boys’ State. However, it is an undisputed fact that standing in front of 500 peers and telling your story of overcoming various drug addictions takes immense courage. That is exactly what Boys’ … Continue reading
After 35 years of serving the New York Boys’ State program and helping shape multiple generations of young men, 2026 is Chuck Osterhoudt’s last year with the American Legion’s Boys’ State program. When Osterhoudt was first asked to be a counselor by the department commander, he wasn’t sure what to expect, but he was willing … Continue reading
Larry Goldfarb, a first-year counselor, has found success within Wong County as a laid back and easy going authoritative figure. Unlike many of the counselors here at Morrisville Boys’ State 2026, Larry volunteered from his job at Zebra Technologies for this position when there was a need for counselors. With it being a well known … Continue reading
By ELLIOTT KIM What does it take to keep order in a city run entirely by high school juniors? At the 2026 New York American Legion Boys’ State program, one citizen stepped into the role of State Trooper. He is tasked with helping maintain order while learning the responsibilities of leadership and public service for … Continue reading
By Anthony Johnson & Reed Argiropoulos “A party of action, a party of doers that gets things done” These were the words that echoed through the assembly hall last night at day two of the federalist convention. When winner for the governor ballot Luka Phillip-Ikpo (0272) from Fish County. Phillip-Ikpo took only two rounds of … Continue reading
By XAVIER SUAREZ-WRIGHT Each day at four in the afternoon, citizens at Boys’ State get the opportunity to play sports outside such as, basketball, softball, soccer etc. However, some citizens also decide to not participate in afternoon sports, whether it be due to special activities they’re a part of, or it’s based on their own … Continue reading
By CHARLES PUTNAM Each year, American Legion officials vote for a highly debated issue: whether or not to merge Girls’ State with Boys’ State. Advocates for this merger claim that it would introduce a new sense of equality in a nation built on liberties and freedoms. However, this notion itself serves as a detriment to … Continue reading
American Legion Boys' State New York 