SCHOLARSHIPS
Leon Burson Post 395 has been awarding college scholarships since 1973. At the present time there are two scholarships available. One scholarship is given each year for four years of undergraduate studies. One is given for one year. Interested students should contact their guidance counselor for information and application. Application forms are available on the third page. Scroll down and click on "next page" until you reach the applications.
Receiptients of the scholorship from Leon Burson Post 395 include the following:
1973-1979 Becky Beville, Pat Huette, Jane Simms, James Twait, Tim Schwingle, Jodi Raguse and Staci Lucas
1980-1989 Diane Senechal, Phillip Heller, Mary Young, Patricia Fanning, Traci Gates, Sharon Goddard, Deanna M. Hansen, Elizabeth Hausler and James Miller
1990-1999 Scott Ward, Kimberly McBride, Britt Forrer, Treresa Hernandez, Kirk Nauman, Quentia Forrer, Craig M. Allen, Eric Posejpal, Hillary B. Wykes and Jason Turner
2000-2007 Matthew R. Kuebrich, Jane M. Turneu, Stephanie Curreno, Ariel Aleua, David Sum, Meggie S. Olson, Cathering G. Benson, Eric A. Olesen
2010 Scholorships were awarded as follows: Leon Burson Post 395 four year $1000 per year was awarded to Drake A. Hislop graduate of Plano High School. The Barney Ugland one year was awarded to Megan Johnston graduate of Indian Valley High School.
BOYS STATE SCHOLARSHIP
American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students. It is a participatory program where each participant becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government.
Boys State has been a program of The American Legion since 1935 when it organized to counter the Fascist inspired Young Pioneer Camps. The program was the idea of two Illinois Legionnaires, Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card, who organized the first Boys State at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.
The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a similar program for young ladies called Girls State. At American Legion Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights and privileges, the duties and the responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical with city, county and state governments operated by the students elected to the various offices. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs.
High school juniors are selected by local American Legion Posts to attend the program. In most cases, expenses associated with attending this program are paid by a sponsoring American Legion Post, a local business or another community-based organization.
American Legion Boys State is currently conducted in 49 Departments of The American Legion. Hawaii does not conduct a program. As separate corporations, Boys States vary in content and method of procedure, but each and every Boys State adheres to the basic concept of the program - that of teaching government from the township to the state level.
