Wellsville's American Legion Post 70 Selects Two For Buckeye Boys State

Saturday - March 13: Two Wellsville High School Juniors were selected Saturday to represent American Legion Post 70 at the annual Buckeye Boys State. Attending this years event will be Mark Barton and Bobby Sullivan. Both men are "A" Honor Roll students this year. Barton is the son of Dan & Lisa Barton. Sullivan is the son of Todd & Giovanna Sullivan. Dane Dysert is Chairman of Post 70's Boy's State Committee.

Buckeye Boys State is an annual event held in the summer months that is sponsored by the American Legion. As stated in their brochure it "is a 8-day hands on experience in the operation of the Democratic form of government, the organization of political parties, and the relationship of one to the other in shaping Ohio Governments." They form two political parties, nominate candidates, hold an election, and set up various systems of government. That includes a governor, other state level officers and a Boys State General Assembly. They do the same with county, city and school board members. They even have a State Patrol guided by officers & troopers of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Many of the other staff members are former Boy Staters from all walks of life.

Started in 1936 Ohio has the largest Boys State program in the nation with over 1,200 young men attending. Ohio was the first state in the nation to have a Boy's State. All these young men are in the summer between their junior & senior year, have to be recommended by their high school principal and pass a qualifying exam to be considered. They come from all four corners of the state. All expenses are paid by the American Legion. Astronaut Neil Armstrong and Pro-Golfer Jack Nicholson are just two of the better known people that attended this event.

Buckeye Boys State will be held on the campus of Bowling Green State University from June 12 - 20. All young men attending Boys State will be eligible to be one of two candidates selected to attend the American Legion Boys Nation being held this year in July in Washington, D.C. They also have a chance to be nominated to participate in the U.S. Senate Youth Program. Each year the American Legion Buckeye Boys State Foundation awards six attendees a $1,000 Savings Bond. All in all it's a rewarding educational experience. It's "a week to shape a lifetime".

Pictured above, from the left, is Wellsville's Post 70 Boys State Committee Chairman Dane Dysert, Bobby Sullivan and Mark Barton. More information on the American Legion Buckeye Boys State program can be found at www.ohiobuckeyeboysstate.com.

Since its founding Wellsville's American Legion Post 70 always has kept our area youth in their hearts sponsoring many programs for their benefit. In addition to sponsoring representatives to both Boys & Girls State, they annually award $1,000 scholarships to two WHS graduating seniors every year. Any student is eligible to apply. Applications for the scholarships are available in the High School Guidance Councilor's office.

Congratulations to both Mark and Bobby.

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