Boys State & Eagle Scout of the Year Applications

 The Woodbury American Legion Post 501 is seeking candidates from local Woodbury High Schools for the Annual American Legion Boys State that will be held June 12-16, 2023.  Boys State will be held on the campus of St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota.  

Applicants for Boys State must be juniors in High School, be in the upper class scholastically at their school and reside in Woodbury.  Information has been provided to all Woodbury High Schools guidance counselors or principals, including East Ridge, Woodbury, New Life Academy, and the Woodbury Math and Science Academy.  Applicants who reside in Woodbury but go to high school outside the city are also eligible to apply through Post 501.

Legion Boys State is a practical learning experience in local and state government.  Its citizens will apply knowledge gained through their school experience and apply teaching from instructors to organize and operate their own city, county and state governments.  The week will emphasize civic leadership and pride in American citizenship, a detailed study of our government, and our country’s democratic ideals.  Highlights of the week include political speakers, mock trials, campaigning, elections, and announcement of Boys State Governor and State Constitution Officers.  Legion Boys State was first held in Minnesota in 1949 with 169 boys attending on the St. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota.  Last year there were approximately 300 Boys States on the Campus of St. John’s University.  Woodbury Post 501 has been represented by numerous young men through the history of the program. 

Interested junior boys should contact their High School guidance counselors and applicants must be submitted by April 1, 2023, to the Woodbury American Legion Post 501.  The applications will be reviewed by the Post with the candidates who are selected being notified by May 1, 2023.
 

 Woodbury American Legion Post 501 supports the Woodbury Homerun Club & the Woodbury American Legion Baseball Blue & White Teams.     

 The American Legion has been partners with the Boy Scouts of America since the beginning of our organization in 1919. As part of this relationship, the Legion offers a scholarship program to Eagle Scouts through their “Eagle Scout of The Year” Program. The District 3 winner receives a $500 scholarship and submitted to the Minnesota state level where the winner receives a $1,000 scholarship. The Minnesota winner’s scholarship application is forwarded on to National to be judged. The National American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year receives a $10,000 scholarship. Three 2nd place scholarship awards were given in the amount of $2,500 each.  

The 2022 Post 501 winner went all the way to National and was the 2nd runner up.  For more information on the program contact the Post 501 coordinator.

Woodbury American Legion Post 501 awards the Stafford Scholarship to AFJROTC cadets within the Woodbury High Schools. The scholarships recognize AFJROTC cadets for their achievements during the school year.