Va. Boys State participants get birds’ eye view of state government from Woodbridge delegate

Richard L. Anderson, a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from Woodbridge, spoke to select high school students attending the 75th session of American Legion Boys State of Virginia this week at Radford University.

Participating for his sixth time as an instructor in the Boys State program, Delegate Anderson (R-51), 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 a number of questions from the Boys State participants.

The 2017 session of American Legion Boys State of Virginia opened with 710 delegates in attendance.  Outstanding rising seniors from high schools – public, private and homeschooled—across Virginia were chosen to participate in this annual educational program.

Sponsored by the American Legion in each state, Boys State is designed to instruct select high school students about state and local government.  Delegates to this intensive week-long session hear from various state and local officials including the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, one cabinet secretary, ten members of the General Assembly, a state judge, two state prosecutors and seven local officials.

All youth participants are assigned to one of 16 Boys State cities named after famous military leaders, like Eisenhower, MacArthur, and Patton. 

Each of the Boys State participants is 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. 

Boys 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.

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.