DEL. RICH ANDERSON ADDRESSES AMERICAN LEGION VIRGINIA BOYS STATE

LYNCHBURG – Richard L. Anderson, a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from Woodbridge, addressed select high school students attending the 71st session of American Legion Boys State of Virginia held at Radford University.

Del. Anderson participated for his fourth consecutive time as an instructor in the Boys State program and spoke on "Virginia Government - Origins to Today."  He described the history and legislative process of the Virginia General Assembly, including how a bill becomes law.  Anderson also discussed his duties and challenges as a state Delegate along with various current policy and political issues facing state government in Virginia.  He answered questions from the Boys State citizens.  

Anderson also taught an afternoon session entitled “Running for Public Office.”

The 2013 session of American Legion Boys State of Virginia opened with 694 delegates in attendance.  Outstanding rising seniors from high schools -- public, private and homeschooled -- across Virginia were chosen to participate in this annual educational program.

Boys State, sponsored by the American Legion in each state, is designed to instruct select high school students about state and local government.  Students at this intensive week-long session hear addresses from various state and local officials, including the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, a cabinet secretary, nine members of the General Assembly, a district judge, a state prosecutor, and three local officials.

All delegates are assigned to one of sixteen Boys State cities named after famous military leaders, like Eisenhower, MacArthur, and Patton.  Each of the Boys State citizens are also assigned to either of the fictitious political parties -- Federalist or Nationalist -- for purposes of nominating and electing candidates for mayor of each city, the Boys State legislature, attorney general, lieutenant governor, and governor, along with various other state and local offices.  Citizens elected to the various positions actually serve in those offices during the week and take on their respective duties and responsibilities.  Students attending Boys State learn citizenship and civic leadership through participation.

Anderson, who also chairs the Virginia Commission on Civics Education, was pleased by the civics focus at Boys State, saying that "we have worked long and hard to improve civics education in public schools across the state, and Boys State is a nice complement to our efforts."

The first Boys State in the nation was held in 1935 in Illinois.  The American Legion Department of Virginia sponsored its first Boys State program in 1939.