Nomination Process

The American Legion believes our American government can survive only with an educated populace. By teaching youth to understand and appreciate our democratic republic, America can remain strong and ensure our freedom for future generations. High school officials (administrators, faculty members, coaches, fine arts teachers, and/or counselors) may nominate qualified students meeting the eligibility requirements and selection criteria.

Contact your local American Legion Post

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Nomination Information

Memo to High School Superintendents, Principals, and Counselors

Dear Texas School Superintendent – Please forward the following memo to your High School’s Head Principal.

High School Principals –

This memo is best utilized by those teachers who oversee programs where your school’s male Student Body leaders most often emerge, such as:

 * Athletics – may I suggest sending to your school’s Athletic Director

 * Arts programs (such as Band and Choir) – may I suggest sending to your Band Director and Choir Director

 * Community Involvement—may I suggest sending to the coordinator of Community Service hours for your students

 * Debate Club – may I suggest sending to the sponsoring teacher(s) of this school organization

 * Student Council -- may I suggest sending to the sponsor teacher(s) of this school organization

Note: If you are from one of the many schools across our great state that already send young men to our program, we say thanks…..if instead your school is not yet participating and would like to learn more, read on for more information!

For questions about the content/context of the following memo, please contact Justin Faith, Volunteer School Outreach Coordinator for Texas Boys State, at mr.faith@faithinlearning.net.

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Nominating Teachers and High School Principals –

The purpose of this memo is to introduce you to the Texas Boys State program (www.texasboysstate.com)…..it will take 4 minutes to read and take action, and I know it will have a positive impact on your school next year by doing so!

The Texas Boys State program

For a quick overview of the impact of the program, please click on this link for testimonials from both previous delegates and University level educators: www.texasboysstate.com/testimonials.

For 75+ years, the one week long Texas Boys State program has used the concept of “Learn by Doing” to teach incoming High School Seniors (i.e., in the summer between their Junior and Senior years) these main points:

 * A new appreciation for patriotism (flag etiquette, service to both our state and our country, and an understanding of the part they are to play in society as they become adults)

 * New and lasting friendships with young men from across the state

 * A better understanding of how to build consensus through civil discourse and debate

 * Knowledge of the two party political system and putting that knowledge into action

 * An eagerness to be a servant leader in their schools and communities (if they do not already possess such a characteristic)

Each year, over 1,100 rising High School Senior young men are provided an opportunity to develop leadership skills in a fast-paced, energetic program unlike any other that exists in our state!  Last year when all other Boys State programs shut down due to COVID we pivoted our program online and had one of our best years ever!  This year we hope to be in person, but are prepared to go virtual again if necessary.

What we are seeking from you

We want your nominations of qualified rising Seniors!  We are working with the University of Texas at Austin (where we hold this event) to accommodate up to 1,200 young men, and we are excited to offer your school the chance to send qualified young men to this program!  Specific facts/details about the program are available in the attached fact sheet and associated brochure.

The Profile of the “best” Boys State delegate

So you know, the best Boys State representatives possess the following characteristics:

 * Strong Academic performance/a “quick study” – this fast-paced program requires these young men to learn quickly and adapt to changing situations, so academic strength is a must

 * Excellent interpersonal skills – gets along well with others; possess a balanced perspective and shows maturity for his age; well mannered and self confident (without being arrogant)

 * Leadership skills – those who thrive at Boys State are those that “lead leaders” in your schools and are seeking to “change” your schools for the better

 * Solid oratorical skills – Excellence in persuasive speaking and confidence in large group settings is helpful

 * A hard worker – someone who will “jump in” and volunteer versus sitting on the sidelines and cheering

Once you are ready to nominate students for consideration, you should coordinate your nomination with and receive sign off from your Principal or his/her designee as well as working closely with an American Legion post in your area.  When your school has agreed to a nominee (or more than one if you feel that would be appropriate), you will then have the nominated delegate(s) follow the attached approach to work with a local/regional American Legion post to apply online as outlined here: www.texasboysstate.com/apply

Conclusion

I believe the link below summarizes nicely the excellent curriculum that exists at Texas Boys State: www.texasboysstate.com/schedule.  Please take a few moments to peruse both it and all other materials found on our website at www.texasboysstate.com. 

I would love to tell you more about the program and how the nomination process works!  Please either e-mail me at the address below so we can get you what is needed.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Best wishes,

Justin "Chuck" Faith
Volunteer School Outreach Coordinator
Texas Boys State
www.texasboysstate.com
Personal e-mail address: mr.faith@faithinlearning.net

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