San Dieguito American Legion Post 416, located in downtown Encinitas announced that Cole Gonzales, a junior at San Dieguito Academy, was selected to be its delegate to 2017 American Legion Boys State. California Boys State will be held in June of this year at the California State University Sacramento campus. The Encinitas post funds the scholarship that pays for its delegate’s tuition, lodging and travel expenses.
Cole Gonzales is a Carlsbad resident, is active in forensics at San Dieguito Academy, and was active in the YMCA Youth and Government program and the Model United Nations Club. Earlier this year, Cole organized a school trip to Washington, D.C., for 15 San Dieguito Academy students to attend the presidential inauguration.
Seth Rossiter, a Santa Fe Christian High School junior, was selected as the alternate delegate and San Dieguito Academy juniors Zachary Lewis and Klaus Neyer were finalists in the selection process. All three young men are Carlsbad residents and have a GPA in excess of 4.0 (A average).
American Legion Boys State is a unique week-long summertime educational program that does not emphasize classroom lectures and textbook learning. Instead, it focuses on participation and personal experience in a model state, complete with governing bodies and elected public officials. It is designed to mirror the structure and operation of California state government.
The American Legion believes there is no better way to assure the survival of our republic than to train our young people in the ideals and objectives of American government. Boys State is designed to supplement the information taught in high school civics classes. It is an activity born out of a need for youth training in practical citizenship, leadership and to instill a working knowledge of the structure and operation of government.
The Sons of the American Legion (SAL) is a patriotic service organization formed on Sept. 12-15, 1932. The SAL is made up of boys and men of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the United States Armed Forces during the times specified by The American Legion.
For additional information about the San Dieguito Post 416 American Legion Boys State Program, please contact SAL Commander Brian Brady at 858-777-9751, or visit the San Dieguito American Legion Post 416 website at calegionpost416.org.
Active-duty wartime veterans and their families interested in becoming members should contact the American Legion Post 416 membership office at 760-908-3550.
Post 416 is located at 210 West F. St. in Encinitas. Hours of operation are from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. A Memorial Day Special Event is scheduled for May 29, 2017, at 1030.