A State Run by Students
LaMorinda American Legion Post 517 sends local students to Sacramento for a hands-on lesson in government and civic life.
For one week each summer, California high school students step into the roles of candidates, elected officials, lawmakers, and judges.
It’s all part of the American Legion’s California Boys & Girls State, a civic leadership program that brings together about 1,000 students to Sacramento for a firsthand look at how government works, from city councils to the three branches of state government. Students who have completed their junior year are nominated by their schools and selected by local American Legion posts.
Campolindo senior, Zayden Bronson was among six local students sent by Lafayette American Legion Post 517. Delegates also came from Bentley School, Miramonte and Berean Christian.
“I wanted to participate in Boys & Girls State because I'm interested in local and state government and wanted to learn more about how it works,” Zayden says. “The program gave me a hands-on way to do that.”
Students formed their own “cities” and “counties” and were assigned to one of two political parties, Whig or Federalist. They could run for positions at the city, county, and state levels.
“We campaigned, gave speeches, and voted; other positions were appointed by those already elected,” Zayden says. “Once elections ended, most of us had roles, and for the rest of the program we passed laws, held trials, and made policy, just like a real state would.”
The American Legion established Boys State in 1935 to give young people a greater understanding of government and civic participation. California’s program became coed in 2023 and is now known as Boys & Girls State. Alumni include former President Bill Clinton, Neil Armstrong, Bruce Springsteen, and Michael Jordan.
It’s all part of the American Legion’s California Boys & Girls State, a civic leadership program that brings together about 1,000 students to Sacramento for a firsthand look at how government works, from city councils to the three branches of state government. Students who have completed their junior year are nominated by their schools and selected by local American Legion posts.
Campolindo senior, Zayden Bronson was among six local students sent by Lafayette American Legion Post 517. Delegates also came from Bentley School, Miramonte and Berean Christian.
“I wanted to participate in Boys & Girls State because I'm interested in local and state government and wanted to learn more about how it works,” Zayden says. “The program gave me a hands-on way to do that.”
Students formed their own “cities” and “counties” and were assigned to one of two political parties, Whig or Federalist. They could run for positions at the city, county, and state levels.
“We campaigned, gave speeches, and voted; other positions were appointed by those already elected,” Zayden says. “Once elections ended, most of us had roles, and for the rest of the program we passed laws, held trials, and made policy, just like a real state would.”
The American Legion established Boys State in 1935 to give young people a greater understanding of government and civic participation. California’s program became coed in 2023 and is now known as Boys & Girls State. Alumni include former President Bill Clinton, Neil Armstrong, Bruce Springsteen, and Michael Jordan.
Generations of Service:
Lafayette American Legion Post 517 was chartered in 1933 and today serves veterans throughout Lamorinda, Alamo, Walnut Creek, and Pleasant Hill. Its involvement with Boys & Girls State dates to the 1940s.
“I think this program is more critical today than perhaps at any time in the 90-year history of the program,” says Post Commander Mike Gilson. “These local young men and women are no doubt the future of our country.”
Post 517 member and retired Navy Rear Adm. Peter Koebler attended Boys State himself in 1986. “I know firsthand what a positive impact it can have on a young person,” he says.
Support from Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary, Realtor Omar Khan, and Post 517 members allows delegates to attend at no cost.
To learn more, visit al517.org and californiaboysandgirlsstate.org.
Lafayette American Legion Post 517 was chartered in 1933 and today serves veterans throughout Lamorinda, Alamo, Walnut Creek, and Pleasant Hill. Its involvement with Boys & Girls State dates to the 1940s.
“I think this program is more critical today than perhaps at any time in the 90-year history of the program,” says Post Commander Mike Gilson. “These local young men and women are no doubt the future of our country.”
Post 517 member and retired Navy Rear Adm. Peter Koebler attended Boys State himself in 1986. “I know firsthand what a positive impact it can have on a young person,” he says.
Support from Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary, Realtor Omar Khan, and Post 517 members allows delegates to attend at no cost.
To learn more, visit al517.org and californiaboysandgirlsstate.org.