Each year, Colonel Benson Hough American Legion Post 457 sponsors local high school juniors to attend Buckeye Boys/Girls State programs. At these weeklong events, the delegates form a mock government by holding elections for offices from local government to governor. The students must set up offices, make speeches, signs, and everything else necessary to run for election.

They also perform the duties of their elected/appointed offices and learn how our government operates on a daily basis. During these separate programs, delegates learn about patriotism and respect for the American flag, Constitution, and the role veterans have played in protecting our way of life. The 2018 Buckeye Boys State program was held at Miami University in Oxford, and Buckeye Girls State was held at the University of Mount Union in Alliance.

This year, Post 457, with the help of several fundraisers and generous donations from local donors, sent nine students to these programs. Six of this year’s students attended a recent Post 457 meeting to report on their experiences and to thank the members for sponsoring them.

Pictured are some the students who attended Buckeye Boys/Girls State programs this year thanks to the American Legion Post 457. The are, left to right, Ben Momeni, Hannah Kaiser, Mitchell Gifford, Jonny Gartner, Julia Wood, Penny Yuhas, Boys/Girls State Chair Kim Walker and Post 457 Commander Scott Bloch. Not pictured are Ruthann Armbrust, Isaac Hedges and Sydney Shadik.

https://www.delgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2018/11/web1_BuckeyeState2018.jpgPictured are some the students who attended Buckeye Boys/Girls State programs this year thanks to the American Legion Post 457. The are, left to right, Ben Momeni, Hannah Kaiser, Mitchell Gifford, Jonny Gartner, Julia Wood, Penny Yuhas, Boys/Girls State Chair Kim Walker and Post 457 Commander Scott Bloch. Not pictured are Ruthann Armbrust, Isaac Hedges and Sydney Shadik. Courtesy photo | American Legion Post 457